Help Me... Help Her... "How do you know when it's time to move on?"

The squeeze is on in this industry now. I recently moved companies but not for the reasons you are outlining. However I think you should definitely explore your options, there are plenty of other offices of the same brand that you work for now in the Denver Metro area they can't all be the same. Good Luck

The fact she is still asking the question after explaining all this means there is something emotional going on besides the logic.  We all do it.  It is a fear of something.  Fear of change, fear of letting someone down (even if they don't deserve it) or, a common fear. the fear of the unknown (as in, "what if I change and it is worse?").

Since the facts make it appear obvious, I suggest she take her fear out and play with it and own it. 

Let's say she does leave and it is a bad move.  Okay, move again.  RealSource was started by a woman that had been at one place for 14 years.  She made a change and realized the new place was not organized and likely not ethical.  So she started RealSource and has already been nationally recognized for innovation!  

And perhaps it is the fear of moving while the market is down.  That sounds like the best time to find a great broker that would love to have a great agent and would make the change good for her and them!

Why is there an X on this post.

You sound as if you now have some experience under your belt. Check around with agents with whom you have done business that you felt was handled in a professional manner. Ask them and others if there might be openings available at their offices or elsewhere where you can fit on a professional, ethical and emotional level and then interview wherever there are openings. Remember to interview them as much as they are interviewing you and do not be afraid to move on to something that can hopefully be better for YOU!

Good luck!

Sure it's your friend, Jennifer...uh huh.  :-)  And I have a friend who has this skin condition....just kidding!

Interesting how many people mention that offices are cutting back in the harder market.  Our office just upgraded our copy/scan/printer machines, cut desk rents in half, added a new full-time staff asst.  Crazy thing is we did all this while increasing our profits!  Negotiating with people (landlord, Minolta contract, etc) is a fun process!

Your friend needs to move on.  And she needs to do her homework.  Find the agents whom she's done cross sales with and ask them what value they get from their company.  I love Keller Williams, but I don't think we're the right fit for every agent.  I don't think any office is.  She needs to get a list of what's important to her, take that list and interview with offices that she's interested in.

Moving isn't that hard.  Your clients will respect you for moving if you let them know it's so you can serve them better.  It can be exciting, too.  We all love new homes, new cars, new clothes...get a new logo and new office too!

Mentally the stone has been cast and its not coming back.... Move on!

Jennifer, This one is a no brainer. This brokerage will be out of business very soon. Get out and get out now. If she has a year under her belt she should be trained by now and needs to move to an office with a much better split or even a monthly fee 100% set up. Then concentrate on building her own business.

Times are tough at many brokerages and many are cutting back more and more.  Definately would investigate any move before doing it and make sure what support is available.  Sometimes you find one brokerage that runs their business closer to the way you run your business and it is a better match.  Sometimes it isn't a good match.  Just make sure what you do is right and follows along with your business goals.

I think it is always interesting when you listen to someone talk about their dilemma; usually you can almost hear the answer in the way they talk about it.  In an email or post you can't "hear" that so harder to give guidance.  Factually, it sounds easy...why not explore the options.  This can be done fairly confidentially and will give her an idea of what else might work for her.

I have always said that who you work with/for is 80% of any job; the rest is manageable.  If she LOVES the agents she has in her office and is able to get and give great advice, tips, support...she might want to consider staying.  If she now gets that on the Rain (and don't we all); then maybe she can "afford" to make a change.

I have worked for a few agency's in my time, but feel I've found the best of both worlds; a place where the money works and the education/training is world class.

Well Jennifer, I'm a little late to the party, and it looks like your friend has a lot of great advice given here.  Has she made a decision yet?  What did she decide to do?  Mike

Not much for me to add but reiterate that there is much more to the job than the commission split but it looks like they are not holding up to their end of the bargain.  As Kim mentioned before make sure you fully investigate who you are considering when checking your options and talk to other agents if she can!

I think she got into this profession because she loves it.  BTW, she is in business for herself.  If she doesn't see any advancement in that office, she has to move on.  Why dread going to work everyday??

If the broker is getting that big of a cut from all their agents and still having to cut back that much, they probably aren't long for the business.  I don't feel it is as easy to make a move as some have suggested.  Especially if a realtor has worked hard to get directory placement and an internet presence but, it sounds like it may be time.  Just make sure the grass is truly greener on the other side.

Wow!  That sounds just nuts!  I'd be looking for another broker.  The only excuse for keeping half of an agent's commission is if the agent is only doing very little business.  I'd say the grass at that brokerage has turned brown.  Anything else would look greener.

Jenn - Your friend brought all the things necessary to be successful when she entered the business. The broker is supposed to train, support and guide her. None of that is happening. It is not a matter of grass being greener, it is a matter of your friend being treated with the dignity and respect her position deserves.

Time to pack her bags. She will be better off in anther office. Support means the world..

I came into this late (40 comments late) but my initial reaction is to run, don't walk, to the next Broker in her life.  Interview, ask important questions, check out agents that currently have licenses hung with the potential Broker to see what their experience is (anything "so-so" or below means "pass on it").

The best thing about being a Realtor is that, if you're any good at all, you can work where you want with whomever you want.

I recently changed Brokers and I was a little reluctant.  The old one was closer to home, I had established a market area, it was "in my comfort zone" but, after awhile, it was so obvious that it was time for me to move on that the decision was easy.

Services have been cut since the agreed upon commission split... time to re-negotiate that commission.. or move on. It's obvious that the attitude towards the brokerage has changed... and it's not a positive one.

How can you stay with a Brokerage if you have a negative attitude??

Review any agreement you have with your broker....do you have to stay a certain amount of time before you can leave?  Do you have to provide a notice without incurring penalties? 

but....to kick the horse one more time....MOVE OUT!  Moving listings/clients isn't all that difficult and it gives you another reason to call/take them to lunch and develop the relationships.  Make lemonade.....

I haven't read all of the comments, but I saw a couple.  I agree with check your options and ask lots of questions.  I also recommend Keller Williams, but have heard it is important to make sure you get the right fit there also.  Good luck to your friend.