Real Estate Blog - On my own and all alone

I'm opening my own office! I can finally talk about it. No more hiding - no more sneaking around making plans. Everything is right on the table. While it's earlier than I planned, it's kind of a relief.

My broker at RE/MAX, Larry Telfer, has displayed an unusual level of professionalism when he decided that in order to live my dream, I needed to part ways with his office.

Thursday things really hadn't quite sunk in. I kept checking the MLS. I still had access. I kept looking at my license on the wall. I kept counting my listings. I was waiting for a shoe to drop. Finally I had to talk to Larry and see where all this was going to go.

"This is going so much smoother than I expected. I'm almost feeling guilty but it's too late to change my mind. This has been so pleasant, but we need to get down to brass tacks".

"What do you mean?" asked Larry.

"I have 23 active listings, and 9 pending files"

"When you get your broker license, you'll still have 23 active listings, provided they sign up with you. I'm not calling them, and I'm not trying to take them. As for your pending files, we may have to work something out to have someone here assist, but you can participate in them to the fullest extent allowed by law".

Now I truly am speechless. Chocked up, and my eyes fill up with tears. This man is being so kind. After all, the broker owns the listings. Larry must know my clients are loyal and most have already told me they will not list with anybody else should this happen earlier than planned.

The mutual admiration society continues. Larry gave me advice on setting up my bookkeeping system, my bank accounts, and even gave me some supplies to last until my shipment comes in. We waited until my last closing Friday to do the paperwork. I raced to the post office and sent everything to Anchorage by Express Mail. Hopefully it will be at the Real Estate Commission on Monday and they will process my paperwork quickly.

In the meantime, I hope everyone understands why I'm not answering calls or emails. Things will kick into high gear next week!

Posted by Debbie White on 08/17/2008 01:34 AM

Comments (19)

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19 Comments on On my own and all alone – Part Four

AUG

2008

Hi Debbie,

Good for you, that's a huge step for anyone, especially in this market. It's nice to year you have a good understanding with your current broker. That will go a long way in the long-run.

I did something similar myself at age )29 many years ago) and I'm still learning. Good luck and let us know how it's going!!!

All the best to you in the new situation. It is only right that your broker was professional and is treating you right -- after all now you are a broker same as he is.

Congratulations! I'm glad everything is going so smoothly. Your broker is making the transition a positive event. It's good to hear that he is so supportive.

Debbie congrats! You will do well. You have picked the right time to do this. Things may be slow right now just a bit, gives you time to work out some bugs but you'll be really ready when things pick up good!

Lynda - It's a bit scary but his support is making things so much smoother. Things are falling into place. I've been staying off of here in order to try and keep things quiet. Of course, a few more weeks would have been helpful, but I'll get through this!

Bob & Carlin - Perhaps as the law reads, I'm his equal, but I think I have a long way to go.

Ray - It's almost surreal.

Nannette - I think it's the perfect time. Our market hasn't been hit like some, but now that the end of summer rush is over, it might end up being better than my originally planned date of November 1.

Debbie CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!

This must be very exciting for you, but I imagine that it is also a scary time.

Larry Telfer sounds like a very professional and special Broker! People like he is, need to stay in the business!

Most brokers I have worked for have had similar protocols for listings, and closing transactions with departing agents. At the end of the day, I think it pays dividends for everyone.

George - There is so much to do. Even until my license comes in, the list is overwhelming. I'm working on my policy & procedures manual now, because I have to get that done to get E&O. There's no easy to do list out there on what you do in what order... Maybe that will be a blog someday. Nah... if you cannot handle the stumbling blocks, you aren't ready.

Myrl - Thank you for your comments! I agree, and I admire him for his professionalism through all of this. He's a gem, and I look forward to those broker meetings. I think I'll sit BY him!

AUG

2008

Congratulations again Debbie! I have no doubt you'll not only succeed but thrive! I'm glad to hear Larry's being as helpful as he's being as well... not all brokes take it so well. I'll look forward to more good news. :)

SEP

2008

you should be awfully proud of your governor , we are excited about her down in Arizona

OCT

2008

Debbie, Good luck to you - you are fortunate to have worked with a supportive broker, Karen

NOV

2008

Congrats on your move back in August i hope by now your settled and selling!

DEC

Go get em. Being on your own is a big step but you will be a winner. The broker we have allows us to take our lisings with us should we leave. So he has to earn our business everyday. It really is a great way to do business.

Good luck and Great selling, T

Debbie...

I hadn't seen your story until today, and quickly read through I, II, and II... and am now caught up. I have to say... your old broker was a wonderful role model, and while I understand the drive to run your own office, I have to wonder why you would have left such a nurturing experience.

Clearly the die is already cast, and I'm sure with your ex-broker as your colleague, you'll do wonderfully well. I have been in the leadership position before... I don't relish it, nor do I have any desire to have it back. I thoroughly enjoy being a sheep. I have a managing broker who sounds very much like yours (except for the yelling.. I've never seen her yell... period). She's a great role model... is as hands-on as you need or as hands-off as you choose. Why I would leave that scenario, to be the first in the office, the last to leave, the last to be paid, and bartender, psychologist to the masses is beyond me.

The best of luck to you... but it sounds as though you're not going to need it.

DEC

I left my broker in May 2007 with very similar experience. The people in my office, however, were not so kind. My broker understood and we parted friendly. I still consider him a good friend. But I will never forget how many people in that office badmouthed me and shunned me as I walked out the door.

PS--Debbie, you are going to make it! No matter where you are right now, just know you are amongst the few who go through the training and have the burning desire to go out on your own. Good luck!

DEC

Sorry I haven't updated anybody lately.

I'm still on good terms, even if somewhat aloof, with the broker and everyone else in that office.

Things are going okay... bills are paid, deals in the works, many many listings (over 50).

Now I just need to recruit so I can afford to hire an office person!

Good job Debbie!

Yes, recruiting is a big hurdle.

I have a part time admin person (3 days a week) after 18 months in business.

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