Special offer

What does a Realtor look for in a brokerage?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with PREMIER LIVING PROPERTIES
What are the things that an agent looks for in a Broker and Real Estate company? Market share? Reputation? Exciting commission splits? A great physical office? Excellent support staff? Top notch tecnology? Caring and nurturing environment? Innovative Broker? Trendsetting marketing? Ongoing training program? With so many players in the field, how does an agent choose the brokerage to start their career, jump start their career or continue a sucessful one? What is important to them? The obvious answer is usually commission splits. But if that was the only concern companies with great commission splits would never loose agents. There has to be more right? With large players in the marketplace merging- note the Starck and Prudential merger just announced today in the Chicagoland area- others downsizing or closing all together... how does an agent determine what is a solid company? How important are the brokers business and personal values and reputation when you are making your selection? How often do you find a broker who really takes a stake in growing your business AND teaching you balance between work and "life". Love to know your thoughts on what would catch your interest if looking to join/switch Companies.
Jeff Johnson
On the Move - Louisville, KY
Proud To Be Your Realtor

I look foer a broker who listens to me and is passionate abou the business...I have been lucky to have found that!

Aug 12, 2008 12:57 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

I think it is all about independence.  I don't need someone micro managing me.  I know what to do and how to do it.  So hopefully my managing broker won't get in my way!

Aug 12, 2008 01:02 PM
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
Fab Real Estate - Danbury, CT
Owner/Broker/Trainer - Fab Real Estate

Market share? Not a huge issue unless you're a new agent and wanting to do Floor Time.

Reputation? Absolutely important - not a national reputation, but the reputation in the local area.

Exciting commission splits? A huge plus, but not the final deciding factor.  And, no silly fees to agents or that agents are supposed to charge to clients.

A great physical office? Just need a clean and accessible place to meet a client once in a while.

Excellent support staff? This always makes things more enjoyable.  They must also be nice!

Top notch technology? Agents should be providing most of this for themselves.  A few in-office desktop computers, a printer and a copier in the office are needed.  Make these easily accessible in the rooms where agents will meet with clients.  Maybe some extras would help, or providing discounting pricing on technology agents may use (can you get group discount pricing on e-fax services, cell phone plans, template websites, R.com enhanced listings, etc.?).

Caring and nurturing environment? Of course!

Innovative Broker? Huh?

Trendsetting marketing? Would be great but not a must.

Ongoing training program? Not at the top of my list.

how does an agent determine what is a solid company? Have to go with the local reputation, word about town and your gut instinct.

How important are the brokers business and personal values and reputation when you are making your selection? Huge.  And, if an agent is mislead on this one, expect outrage!

Obviously, you made me think a little bit tonight...

Aug 12, 2008 01:13 PM
Garren Grup
John R. Wood REALTORS - Naples, FL
REALTOR, ABR, CNE,CDPE, GRI, Naples & Bonita Springs, FL

The best marketing and print advertising in your area market is a BIG Plus if your a big listing agent.  This keeps your company top of mind and usually exudes confidence in it's agents and professionalism in comparison to the competition.

Aug 12, 2008 01:38 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

I really want to answer this, but I don't think it is the answer you are looking for...  I actually replied to an email from an exec at C21 about this very thing.  I posted it on my blog.  you are welcome to read it...  I don't want to spam you, though. 

And it is a very important question...

Aug 12, 2008 02:09 PM
Todd Jones
Weichert Realtors - Hibble & Associates - Clarks Summit, PA

I just recently switched brokerages. It all boiled down to opportunityfor me. Opportunity for more money. Opportunity for more time with my family. Opportunity for more in-house transactions. Opportunity for advancement. Opportunity for more leads. OPPORTUNITY.

Aug 12, 2008 02:36 PM