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Merging and Franchising - Sounds like a Win-Win!

By
Real Estate Agent with Windermere San Juan Island

Business decisions as of lately have felt more strategic and more risky.  Recently my business partners and I made the decision to merge our smaller, franchised real estate office with a larger, independent office while at the same time affiliating with an entirely new franchise (did you catch all that?!?!?).  Considering we are in a small town (on an island rather) this is a pretty big shift in our market.  Like many others, we're finding our inventory up, sales down, and even higher expectations from our clients.  This seems like the perfect time for some change.  

I think the number one benefit from merging is going to be the benefit of a stronger team.  Surronding ourselves with other working real estate professionals (working being key) adds momentum and synergy to the group as a whole.  Consolidating on overhead and increasing staff productivity is also a bonus. There's strength in numbers, right?  

Sometimes I think franchising is misunderstood.  Does franchising mean that a firm is no longer "local"?  We're the same people involved in the community but we've just acquired more efficient business practices and tools while offering our clients global exposure!  It sounds like a win-win to me!  

I know change is hard for many to digest, but at the same time its exciting and at some times also necessary. I think with our current market conditions we'll be seeing more and more of this (I know the San Juans have seen several of these changes over the past several months).  Hopefully it will generate strong real estate offices around the region with dedicated, working professionals!

Comments (4)

Adam Brett
The Adam and Eric Group - Fullerton, CA
The Adam and Eric Group, Fullerton's Finest

Good luck with your business decision.  I hope your prosper from it.

Jun 15, 2008 10:56 AM
Susan Hilton
CENTURY 21 Beal, Inc. - College Station, TX
Texas Aggie Real Estate, College Station Bryan Texas Real Estate

Congratulations on your new venture. I believe working with other successful people helps you be more successful too.

 

Jun 15, 2008 11:45 AM
Anonymous
edward Lui

I've pursued a merger with a partner in the real estate business as well, on a much smaller level than you (just one agent merging with another).  What recommendations do you have for determining the percentage split for the two separate owners and the sharing of responsibilities?  I'd be interested in knowing what did or did not work.  Thanks!

Mar 12, 2009 03:34 PM
#3
Brad Cooper
Realty World Inc. - Costa Mesa, CA

Real Estate Franchising is a great way to get instant name recognition and branding without the time and cost normally associated with it.  Plus I believe most agents want to associate themselves with larger companies so your ability to recruit becomes that much easier. That is why I believe that a real estate franchise is the way to go.  The ext step is choosing the right real estate franchise.

Aug 31, 2009 05:13 AM