Each company provides a different level of service and in the end we are just like consumers we have the relationship with the broker or manager that helps make the decision.

Well, this is post was directed toward me. I am in process of transferring right now from the small 2 man show that was me and my broker to the big guy on the island. My broker tells me after 3 years of building a solid reputation and a strong inventory she no longer wants to do Real Estate. She is folding her tent and moving the bus into her house, which is allowed, but I cannot be a Realtor. I can demote myself to her Assistant and still do what I do, NO THANKS. So, in light of her announcement I did a CMA of the island and decided to go with the best company. Times are hard and right now, especially where I am located, you need the power of the big name and all that comes with that. Now, I am moving out of this little box and am now open to the world. Literally because the new company is one of the best worldwide and I will have exposure to the international market. To me it was not about brand name, it was about power.

I can't wait to read your comments on this one.I am wondering the same thing. Name recognition is a big key.Another is what can one company offer that another doesn't..I feel like nothing matters except finding that agent/company  that will treat you honest and represent you in the best way possible.

I looked for a company that had training both for new and experienced REALTORS. In our business training should never stop. Brand is important but the relationship with your broker is way high on the list.

Scott, I believe it comes down to three items.  Service, systems and training.  Too many agents fall for the biggest company or a particular franchise.  What systems does a company really provide?  Do those systems really make you more productive?  Maybe a dedicated showing desk?  How good is the training?  Do you have a good manager?  Even within a big company, branches have totally different atmospheres.  Too many agents do not really interview the broker.  It really is an individual choice.  What might be a great fit for one, is a horrible choice for another. 

BTW, all of us at Alliance Real Estate are HUGE fans of OneCallShow.com.  It has made a tremendous difference in the productivity of our agents.  Having a dedicated showing desk like onecallshow makes agent MORE productive and MORE competitive and enables agents to provide a SUPERIOR level of client service. 

Thank you,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate

Thanks for the responses so far.  In conversation with REALTOR friends I hear a wide array of responses as to why they chose their firm.  Everything from the cap on commission, to marketing support, to a wide offering of in-house education programs.  I hope that this blog will allow us to see what is most important.  Hopefully, all firms provide a respectful enivironment.

David, Thank you for the response and the kind words on OneCall Home Showings.   We are proud of our company and the benefit it provides for our customers whether individual agents or offices such as yours.  Offering the OneCall program to all of your agents really distinguishes Alliance Real Estate and paints a picture of the leadership's vested interest in the success of its people.  The comment on interviewing the Broker is a great point to - any recommendations on what questions the agent should review?

Hi Scott.  I liked the brand name big company.  I also thought the pay structure rewarded the big producer.  I was impressed by my brokers passion.

Ken

I bought my company 10 years ago in September.  I like working for myself.  It means more of the deal for me and my family.  The Internet allows me to get customers and I have a good office location.  It is hard to have people work for you, but you learn how to be selective.  I was working for one of the largest companies on Cape Cod when I bought this one.  I prefer working in my own office.

If I were to work for a company again, the people/agents already in the office would be the major factor.

Heath -- Thanks for the post.... do you think the larger firms have any advantages -- I would think that with today's technology/REALTOR service providers that the playing field (services offered by the firm) has leveled?  If that is the case it may come down to the firms mission statement or precepts.

Ive worked for large firms and made much more money but they were impersonal and agents come and go in larger companies. Small agencies- mom & pops are great for the owners but anyone else who works in them has to find their own niche to survive. Some companies and agents already have their niche and whether or not it fits with an agent might only be determined after time spent working with that agency. But I think that consumers who list with an agent also have a relationship with the listing agency as well not just the agent. Scott why do you work with the agency you work for? who do you work for by the way?

Cape Cod Realtor

Stephen, I actually work for OneCall Home Showings.  Our Customers are individual REALTORS and Offices (www.onecallshow.com).  I chose OneCall because I believe strongly in the mission which is to provide a valuable service at a fair price that benefits our customers' professional and personal life.  OneCall's philosophy is to "delight" customers, not just service them.

Previously I worked for a Fortune FI.  The brand was identified as Ethical and the company prioritized people development (as an example - providing a wealth of in house education, precepts for people, customers, shareholders, and the community, as well as a commitment to provide the best tools and resources for it's "people" (used instead of employee). 

Additionally, I highly valued the strong feedback and review process which ensured our people were meeting thier expectations and high standards. I am very much aware that my reputation and success are tied to my peer group and the organization I align with.

If I were to pursue real estate sales as a career I would prioritize an organization that made difficult decisions to create a culture of professionalism and high standards over compensation model.  This will ultimately lead to greater staying power and higher compensation.  This would mean saying no to recruits that did not meet the company's performance and character standards.  I would prefer to default to a quality over quantity model.

Sorry for the long response and thank you for the question.

This was emailed to me today and I thought it was worth the read.

http://www.mpdailyfix.com/2008/04/think_reputation_instead_of_br.html/?adref=NmiM548