Here in the Greeley, Weld County Colorado area we have the usual mix of large nationally known real estate franchise companies such as Remax, Coldwell Banker, Prudential. We also have some larger local real estate companies. then we have individual brokers or small companies with only a few broker associates working there.
I was reading a blog the other day geared toward real estate agents asking which kind of company is the best to work for. But I want to discuss what is the best kind of company for a buyer or seller to work with as you the consumer don't really care about the reasons why an agent would work where he or she does.
I myself am currently owner of a small real estate company and including myself we have two agents. I operate out of my home office. I have in the past worked for a larger national franchise company in Greeley. I'm also considering this fall joining another national franchise company. I just wanted to let you know where I stand before I get to telling a buyer or seller what might be best for them.
For the buyer does going with a Realtor that works at a big company or a small company matter?
In my opinion it does not matter very much at all. Some might argue with me on that and I would like to hear your comments if you do not agree. Why I believe that as a buyer it doesn't matter what size of company your realtor works for is that all Realtors should be able to offer their buyers the same kind of service. The buyer agent gets their commission from the seller or seller's agent and not the buyer. As a buyer you aren't depending on anyone but the individual Realtor you have found to work with. Maybe with a larger company you will get some nice company folders or something like that. All the Realtors use the same Multiple Listing Service. They use all the same state contracts. (though some companies have more disclosures then the state requires) A Realtor with a small office can show you the same homes and properties that a Realtor in a large well known office can. A Realtor in a small office might have more real estate knowledge then a Realtor in a larger office and vice versa. A Realtor in a small office might sell more homes a year then a Realtor in a larger office or vice versa. You won't need to meet your Realtor in his/her office unless you feel you need to. For example I work out of my home, but I've only had 3 buyers or sellers over 3 years actually come to my house. People are welcome to come to my home, but I live about 8 miles outside of town so for convenience I nearly always meet them. And now that signing contracts on the internet is getting to be more poplular having to meet happens even less.
What matters most in a buyers relationship with a Realtor is not the office itself, but trust, knowledge, communication, and hard work. When I was with the larger national franchise company there were people there who didn't know much about anything and didn't even want to work with a buyer.
One thing I would look out for though and this is a personal opinion. A Realtor that will make you sign a buyer agreement that you will only use him/her as your agent for a certain amount of time. If you don't then you will have to pay that Realtor something. I don't like those agreements and don't use them. I feel a Realtor that needs that doesn't have much self confidence. If a buyer doesn't want to work with me then fine I must not have done a good enough job or they didn't like me. No need to force anyone into working with me.
What about sellers? Here it does matter more about the size of company depending only on what marketing of your property they as a company will do that makes them different from other companies. And at what cost to you the seller.
The company I'm considering joining offers remarkable networking with other area offices, internet search and a high percentage of buyers they represent compared to other offices. The company I used to work has the national franchise website (which isn't that good) and that's about it. No local internet presence. My little company has more of a local online presense then they do. I myself don't do any print advertising while some of the larger companies do. But once again just like a buyer the seller's individual Realtor is the most important no matter what company they are with.
I've seen quite a few listings by agents of large well known companies that after 30 days do not have a picture on the listing, and very little information about the property. Or just one outside picture. This won't help buyers want to look at your home. I've dealt with agents of large companies that take forever to call back and communicate. But I also have seen agents with small companies that don't answer the phone at all, no pictures, and no communication either. Each agent is allowed to be different no matter what company they work for. You can have a lousy agent at XYZ Real Estate and a great agent at XYZ Real Estate.
For complete details on everything Greeley Colorado Real Estate visit my website at http://www.greeley-weldcountyhomesforsale.com
Thanks for reading.
Marc Oster
Y&M Real Estate LLC
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