Steve,

I will have to disagree on only part of that.  I work for a large brokerage but, I do give the personal service you speak of.  I don't believe it is the agency but more the person.  Yes there can be advantages and disadvantages to both sides whether you are with a large firm or small.  It is the actual broker/agent that you deal with that makes the difference.

Steve, your so right. I been with the National big people so called. My production has increase 10 fold since I left them in 2002. As far as that client, I just discover that a past listing, re listed with another agent for less commission and my price. The only problem is with that is that they are listing at the price I recommend 10 months ago.

Larry

Sorry if you took this personal, I think every good broker services his/her clients first and foremost and doesn't let the name on the door be their excuse to be lazy.  Steve

Steve, you are SO right!  Independent Brokers don't have a big name to fall back on, so we must "earn our stripes" so to speak.  I've found that the general public has BRANDITIS when they are undereducated about exactly how our business works.  Because we are members of the MLS, they are hiring EVERY REALTOR IN TOWN when they hire us.  They say it is best to be someone's second spouse...and third Realtor!  The reason is that it takes some time for a seller (like a marriage partner) to become aware of their own stubborn and idealistic expectations.  

I too have waited for the MEGA AGENTS with the big companies to return my calls or present my offers.  It's frustrating...but in the end, your personalized service and honest straightforwardness will always work in your favor!  And with this particular seller....you'll see you were right as you watch that sales price get reduced while it is listed with the SECOND REALTOR!

Frank, We work harder because we want to, sometimes we have to but more times than not I have found it's because we want to do a good job for our clients, and go above and beyond the one that expect traffic as an entitlement. Steve

Steve, Believe it or not, we often get business because we started our own successful company. Many people see that as a sign of hard work & persistence without actually saying so. Good Luck!

Sandra, You said it all, we have all the same access but don't rely on someone else to make our marketing presentation. Would you rather have a smart diligent friend or a whole hockey team (that plays once or twice a week) working for you. Steve

Get Us A Home Realty: thanks for the word of encouragement, you are the type that work hard rather than hiding under the label of someone else's efforts good for you. Steve

Well put - What you should have said to your client is that the buyer doesn't care what YOU NEED TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR, the buyer will only pay what he feels is fair market value.  That has nothing to do with whether you use a big name or small independent.

Also, many times a small independent is focused on a particular area, and has more expertise than a big name brokerage that may not even have an office in that same area.  Real estate to me is very localized, so it shouldn't matter so much to a buyer or seller that a particular brokerage has offices in Iowa and Colorado.  With todays technology, we all market to our local Listing Service, on the internet, and to all other Brokerages.

Real estate is still all about relationships and trust, and that is what a buyer or seller should really focus on first and foremost. 

Troy Well Said, long after the transaction the buyer or seller is going to remember the guy/gal that made it happen even if they forget what the name of the firm was. Thanks for the comments. Steve