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Yes I work for a Virtual Office!

By
Real Estate Agent with Sundance Realty

I work for a virtual office, maybe it's the wave of the future, it's probably not for everyone but it works for me. There was a time when I looked rather harshly at not only the virtual office but also the brokers that worked for them; yes I admit it I had some screwed up and funky idea regarding virtual offices.

I had actual misconceptions, for example I thought I would have absolutely no relationship with my principle broker or associates I was completely wrong. In fact I have received more encouragement and direction in this virtual office, than I ever did in a physical office where I was expected to pay desk fees and share large portions of my commission with my principle broker. The camaraderie is fabulous and my fellow brokers are available to help one another. We have all seen this same kind of solidarity here on Activerain, yes it is virtual but it is also a real place with real people.

I had of course been part of the standard real estate office up until this change, but once the bottom opened up in the housing market and began devouring real estate broker's right and left here in my area of the great USA, I was determined to survive this down turned market and come out the other side stronger for it. I don't regularly give up easy, I guess that is why I am still in the real estate business, while many others have been eaten alive and thrown into the general work force. I plan on having my heels dug in, so when the rebound begins I am already standing and ready for the game.

 

If it were not for a wonderful principle broker with a great business plan I may not be still standing, hats off to a great lady, with great business savvy and a vision for the future. I am truly blessed to work for one of the finest virtual offices in Oregon.

 "Sundance Realty is a company based on a new model and built on the principles that each of us contributing together can build a celebrated real estate team and gain success, both as individuals and as a group.  The idea packed, easily accessible tools and interactive website make this company a real pleasure for us and our clients.  It's impressive to have a Principle Broker that is eager with regard to the industry in general as well as the people we represent. What a breath of fresh air!"

Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Since I have my own virtual office, I appreciate this story of success.  I'll poke areound the edges of Sundance and see what I can learn.

Jun 03, 2009 08:43 PM
South Austin Real Estate Blog
Sky Realty South Austin - Austin, TX

Shannon, as times change so do the way many business survive. While the brick and mortar offices will not cease to exist anytime soon, I too believe more agents will find their way to a virtual office or at least in part, just for survival, as you said.  It sounds as though you have found a new happier home.

Jun 03, 2009 11:16 PM
BLR Guy
BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc) - Saint Pete Beach, FL

Shannon,I have 9 offices and 8 are virtual offices around the state of Florida...for those who are self sufficient....virtual offices are fantastic,as you get 100% commission....I have never been a fan of brick and mortar offices and that is probably why,my company still makes a profit while many franchises are selling off or just closing their doors.I currently have around 200 agents..and they get alot of support from my fantastic broker!

Jun 03, 2009 11:24 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Good for you Shannon the courage to change can be difficult...and most usually the "Yeah Buts..." are not as big or serious as any of us imagine...the midwest...make that this area is not quite as progressive but it WILL come out of necessity...brick and mortar is expensive and not necessary.

Jun 03, 2009 11:50 PM
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

It takes a lot of self discipline to have a virtual office -- you must be motivated and organized to make it work.  Several agents I work with have chosen this route to save $$ and have kept with it because of convenience.  Glad to hear it works so well for you! 

Jun 04, 2009 12:34 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Shannon, glad to hear the virtual office concept is working for you. As office costs keep mounting, I believe we will see more in the future.

Jun 04, 2009 01:00 AM
Nancy Duvall
Lighthouse Home Loans, Inc. - Salem, OR

Hi Shannon! Our whole industry is going virtual. As a mortgage lender, I do more of my work from my well-equipped home office and drop in to the "bricks and morter" to bring in signed documents. I meet clients at the place this most convenient to them, usually their home but we have a nicely appointed office conference room if they prefer. I do what's most convenient for my client. I'm glad you're staying in the biz.

Jun 04, 2009 03:23 AM