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Changing Offices

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Properties Washington 3455

Yesterday, I changed my licence over to another office in our town. I have been at the same office since I passed my test in 2001 and it wasn't an easy move.

My old office was filled with people I cared about. We have laughed together, cried together, been to funerals together, ate retirement cake together and celebrated big and small victories together.

This last year has been hard on everyone in the industry. Not just watching homes not sell, nor even buyers losing loans... I have watched agents that were the top producers in our 6 office company lose their retirement, their home, their confidence.

I've watched my broker & manager do everything they can to keep an agent afloat while trying to simultaineously trying to ensure the doors would stay open by cutting every corner possible. And I actually think they have a chance at making it, but I am tired of treading water and filling all the gaps that are there while they "keep the doors open".

It was hard telling my manager, but she was kind and understanding. She made it as comfortable as it could be. It was hard telling my broker/owner, but he said all the right things while looking like he was kicked in the gut. I haven't seen him since.

I started packing up yesterday, still working on it today. Wow! I have a lot of stuff! Somehow, over the weekend, I have to make my desk work for me, actually do the work I normally do, and let all my clients know about the move. While helping my kids enjoy the weekend... piece of cake!

It's funny; I keep using Hope & Change in 2009 as my motto now!

Because this was the first and only time I have ever changed my licence and when I looked at other members blogs I didn't find anything I thought I would point out the stuff I have come across...

  • pack ahead of time
  • beware of rumors
  • always stay honest
  • moving your licence is easy, the hard part is right after that
  • find out what infastructure is available so you can dispose of unnecessaries
  • prepare you clients
  • find out who is your point of contact for your new information

I will add more as I learn more.

Feel free to give me a heads up!

Comments (7)

Ellen Crawford
Maximum One Executive REALTORS® - Alpharetta, GA
Alpharetta Real Estate Agents & Alpharetta REALTOR

Best wishes in your new office.  Don't look back but look foreward...never have regrets.

Jan 30, 2009 04:32 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Hi Shari,

I have another one to add to your list. Read the fine print on your contract. I just changed offices as well this month and I'm stuck with paying my desk fee to my old off ice for two months. Apparently they had a clause in their contract  that required 2 months notice. Yikes! Fortunately my new office gave me two months free.

In the end we all have to do what's best for our business. Good Luck!

Jan 30, 2009 05:25 PM
Dianne Deming
RE/MAX Realty Group - Rehoboth Beach, DE

I have changed offices twice--once from one company to another, and again from working independently to working with a team within the same company.  The first move was very difficult; the second not.  But in the end, I feel that I am in exactly the right place for me.  I wish you all the best in your new place, and hope it is just right for you as well!

Jan 30, 2009 11:23 PM
Shari Evans
Better Properties Washington - Port Orchard, WA
Moments Like These

Ellen- I am trying to embrace the attitude that there are many things I have never done until I did... roller skating, having a child, cooking eclairs and this will be like that.. thanks for the encouragement.

Susan- I did review my contract ahead of time and think all is well there, just really nervous about how things work at the new place and hope I can make all my stuff fit in my little space. Thanks for the luck- I'll take it!

Dianne-it seems that although I feel like I am in uncharted territory, it is true that others have blazed this trail before me and came out great!

Jan 31, 2009 05:50 AM
Shari Evans
Better Properties Washington - Port Orchard, WA
Moments Like These

More I have learned...

  • back up every system to the most versatile... excel? maybe even print!
  • know your webmail system intimately
  • pack light-schlepping a kazzilion boxes is not motivating
  • embrace the attitude "others have done this before me and make this work"
    • as a Taurus- this was a paramount necessity!
  • get to know your new offices back office/intranet site as quickly as possible
  • Use the opportunity to "touch" your clients, collegues, etc.
Feb 03, 2009 06:04 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Shari, I switched from Coldwell Banker to RE/MAX in 2007 and while I read your post I had all those feelings come crashing back in my gut. It takes about 4-6 months for the pain to subside and then you can't look back anymore. I hope your move will be your last...

Feb 11, 2009 02:25 AM
Shari Evans
Better Properties Washington - Port Orchard, WA
Moments Like These

thanks Paul! so many people say it will feel like home any minute- 2 weeks in and it is still different! I also feel like checking in with my old office co-workers but don't want to be seen as trying to pull them over so I have to be delicate.

As to new lessons learned?

  • Check into the real atmosphere of the office. Everyone is so cagey about so much stuff- contracts, leads, etc., but the broker will share that info. Interview agents from the office ahead of time. Maybe even take them out for a drink to get them to talk if you have to. I was lucky, I knew some people who had moved there and they knew what I was used to.
    • Wow, my new office is run like a corporation- there is staff for all sorts of certain things and I had a new agent guide to get me started. Everytime I don't know how to___ Michelle is there to get me up and going again using our office infrastructure
  • Try not to compare. Just like all people are different, all offices are different. Rather than compare, just try to evaluate the office on its OWN merits.

I'm sure the lessons will keep coming. I don't expect to be "settled" for a while. I am a creature of habit and this was a big move.

I don't like change much, love helping others thru the process (know it all that I am) but I am going to take a moment and share all of my changes in the last month that I have dealt with.

  1. Quit smoking 4 weeks ago after 23 years
  2. traded in my crappy phone (treo 700p) for a blackberry curve (LOVE IT) still learning it
  3. still waiting for my FOB to open lockboxes so back to old cradle version
  4. walked away from a plat
  5. removed staging from a plat
  6. moved offices from an office with a door to a dilbert 1/4 cubicle
  7. joined a team of agents while still working independently
  8. started working with a commercial/developer team
  9. refinanced my house
  10. enitre computer crashed while uninstalling old office software and had to reinstall everything
  11. got a new email system, print system, phone system
  12. 2 new real estate laws in place
  13. disassociated myself with a collegue due to ethics
  14. started working out & dieting for training for a 1/2 marathon

no wonder I feel like my brain is going to burst any minute! I'm a Taurus, we work in our ruts happily!

 

Feb 11, 2009 11:34 AM