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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SUCCESSS?

By Paula Swayne

Real Estate Agent with Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 CalBRE # 01188158

March 14, 2009 03:41 PM

There is an interesting relationship between a broker and a licensee. Their perspectives are curiously skewed in different directions, even though their goals appear to be the same.

An agent's career is all about promoting themselves and being responsible to their clients needs. Their days are filled with the day-to-day concerns of showing property, holding open houses, writing and negotiating contracts and attending inspections of every kind. When they aren't working on specific escrows, sellers or buyers, they are dedicating their efforts towards making sure their name is out there prominently in the public arena. The one thing that an agent is not concerned about is being certain that their broker is happy and content.

A broker's concerns couldn't be more different. A broker is concerned with the day-to-day issues of legal updates, contract reviews, the solving of their agent's problems. A broker's responsibilities are to their agents. Education, technology and the most up-to-date information is pivotal in making certain their agents are as equipped as possible to deal with the daily issues they face. The one thing that a broker is concerned about over everything else is that their agents are happy and content.

So, who is responsible for your success? Both of you. An agent is an independent contractor. This means they are responsible for how intelligently they conduct their business. Part of the choice they make is selecting a broker who reflects the kind of business model that is most like their own. The broker then is responsible for giving the agent the kind of atmosphere that can promote the very best in what the agent has to offer.

So, next time an agent grumbles because a broker isn't giving him/her business, they should think long and hard...who is responsible for their business? Are they really looking for someone to blame for not doing their best? And the next time a broker is disappointed in the production of an agent, maybe they should think long and hard...is the broker giving the agent the best atmosphere for success?

www.PaulaSwayne.com

Photo from Flickr by Beneath blue skies

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Julie Ferenzi

john greene Realtor - Plainfield, IL

I work from home, and rely on my broker for all of the same reasons that you mention. I can only be successful when I put forth the effort it takes to do my job well, but I definitely count on that infrastructure to support me when I need it! Food for thought and some interesting points. Well said!

Mar 14, 2009 04:04 PM

Paula Swayne

Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA

Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Julie!
I think more and more, agents will be working out of their home, just as you do, or their car ;o). I think it makes the brokers job even more critical to supply the kinds of things agents need.

Mar 14, 2009 04:09 PM

Richard Dolbeare

Inactive - Wailuku, HI

Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

You topic is one dear to my heart. I often encounter others telling me how to do my job but I have no doubt they will not be there if I do it their way, fail, and look for a handout.

Mar 14, 2009 04:38 PM

Hi Richard!
I am always amazed at how many agents expect their brokers to provide them with clients. To my mind, if you do your job well, you will have all the referrals you need and then some.

Mar 14, 2009 05:52 PM

Carl Stars

Sutton Group About Town Realty - Burlington, ON

The only persons responsible is you. I took me three brokerages to learn this. Although I have a great broker and he is there for me. I use my office to turn deals in. The rest is up to me and only me .

Mar 14, 2009 10:55 PM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

"So, next time an agent grumbles because a broker isn't giving him/her business, they should think long and hard...who is responsible for their business?"

Paula, this is really it in a nutshell! I work at a firm where we are partners/shareholders so we have to look at both sides of this issue and it still comes down to individual effort! Great post!

Mar 15, 2009 01:42 AM

Sally Dunbar

Lyon Real Estate, Fair Oaks CA (Sacramento Area) - Fair Oaks, CA

Fair Oaks Realtor - Fair Oaks Homes for Sale

Every new agent who starts, I'm sure, thinks the clients just walk in the door, or are handed to them. Sure we sell houses, but mostly we work hard to get clients!. And whose job is it to find those clients? Certainly not the brokers. I am resonsible totally for my success. Which is why this business is so fun. You can do it so many ways, from door knocking, to cold calling, to blogging/twittering/ and facebooking. Sky's the limit. I take total responsibility for my success or failure... what my broker does is the icing on the cake with a little wind beneath my wings thrown in. They definately create the atmosphere within which I do my craft, and offer all the tools and support, but ultimately, it's up to me. AND I LOVE IT THAT WAY!

Mar 15, 2009 03:49 AM

Hi Carl!
Your approach is becoming more and more the norm. The bricks and mortar brokerage is giving way to a more service oriented structure. Agents need a place to meet clients and attend sales and training meetings. They really don't need the "desk" anymore.

Hi Russell!
Your perspective really does show both sides of the business and give a great ability to take advantage of all that your brokerage offers while still maintaining your own business.

Hi Sally!
They don't call us "independent contractors" for nothing. I just wish all Realtors understood this!

Mar 15, 2009 04:57 AM

Caren Wallace

Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR

Portland Caren Real Estate

Paula, I feel I am an independent contractor and I am responsible for bringing in my own business! It is always nice when the broker rewards me with a referral though! I call that a bonus!

Mar 15, 2009 11:42 AM

Barbara Flannery

USA Realty,Inc. - London, KY

"Homes for Everyone In London Kentucky"

Paula, Great Post and so well written! Real Estate is like going to church You only get out of it what you put into it. I try my best to keep them informed, educated, I am there 24/7 but they have to work to keep the business flowing. Thanks so much for sharing.

Mar 15, 2009 02:05 PM

Hi Caren!
I do think that brokers give referrals whenever possible to those agents who they think will turn it into a client...obviously, you are one of those!

Hi Barbara!
I agree with you...it is our job to give the agents all of the tools they need to be successful, then step out of their way!

Mar 15, 2009 02:15 PM

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SUCCESSS?

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