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To Join Or Not--What do you think??

By Kathy Holmes

Real Estate Broker/Owner with All Points Realty

March 20, 2007 10:55 AM

I am considering becoming part of the United Country "family". I am a new brokerage in Northeast Ohio--have just come through my first year of business--have 13 agents working here full time and am opening a second office in my county. I am notorius for "flying by the seat of my pants" and I have yet to put all my "systems" in place--that's the big work this year before everything gets out of control. Would anyone care to share how becoming a United Country Franchise has affected their business? Positive and negative comments would be welcome. I will check this board for messages--or e-mail me offline at Kathy@KathyHolmes.com . Thank you in advance for your help. I understand you are all busy professionals and I do appreciate the time you gave up to help me move towards a decision. Kathy Holmes 440-812-0630 cell

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Jon Miller

United Country-Marshland Realty - Beaufort, SC

Kathy,

We joined United Country in August 2005. In a year we were propelled to one of the top 10% United Country offices in the nation until the bottom fell out of our market in November of last year and we dropped below the 10% mark. But I'm confident we can get up there again.

I can tell you that by joining United Country we gained access to a TON of materials that helped us to stop "Reinventing the wheel." My listing presentations are much more professional, and the support from the home office is fantastic. I could go on and on about the home office, they are top-notch people in Kansas City who are ready, willing and able to help us to become successful. National advertising exposure is giving us access to over 350 internet referrals a month. You have a database of people looking to buy property you can tap into for your specific properties. I'm sold on this franchise, and I could go on and on about the good things. I guess the biggest downside is paying the franchise fee, but I guess it's miniscule in comparison to other franchises out there. I look at the franchise fee this way; just pretend you are paying a salary to an employee. The cost/benefit is well worth it.

...By the way, if you approach your regional vice president about joining the family, please let him know that ...I REFERRED YOU!

Jon Miller, United Country-Marshland Realty, Beaufort, South Carolina

Mar 25, 2007 02:59 PM

Anonymous

Virginia Buttel

Hope you got my direct e-mail and that you have decided to sign on the dotted line(not just because of what I said, but from the many positive ones I am sure you received). Just wanted to add that one of my agents just listed a large property held by an out of state owner simply because he knew of UC's specialization in rural America from the franchise in his "neighborhood" and the tools we use. Would we have gotten this listing without the "brand" name....who knows, but this was the easiest listing presentation John ever made.

Mar 28, 2007 07:58 AM

Debbie DiFonzo

Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO

Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate

Kathy -

My husband and I bought the United franchise in our home town - we're only the fourth owner since the office opened here in 1949! I think those numbers speak loudly to the awesome family you'll find at United Country. We have also just opened a second, brand new office in the next county.

Jon Miller is just one example of a broker willing to share with you and with me and with all the other. Jon has been great and there are many others like him.

I left my old "firm" to join United Country on July 11, 2003 -- and I've never looked back! If you have specific questions, please feel free to eamil me. Glad to give my input! <G>

Debbie DiFonzo, e-PRO. GRI, RECS
United Country VIP Realty and Auction Services

Lebanon, MO
Marshfeild, MO

www.ucmissouri.com

Mar 29, 2007 06:22 AM

Well, Kathy, Will we see you in Kansas City next year with a big smile becuase you made one of the best decisions in you life and you signed on that proverbial dotted line?

Apr 11, 2007 03:12 AM

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Kathy Holmes

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