Which Office Is the "Best" Choice for Me?
Whenever an agent is considering a move to another office, it's important to make sure the move is not for monetary reasons only. There is more to life than money....working environment and the personalities you'll be working with are more important than the money. The training and ongoing education is also a major point to consider.
I monitor the questions on Trulia, Zillow, etc. and this question comes up over & over. "I am a new agent looking for an office with LOW FEES and GOOD TRAINING, and (of course) HIGH SPLITS. Which is best for me?"
Then you see a flurry of answers. Weichert agents jump in and say Weichert is the best. Keller Williams disciples defend KW, and ReMax agents reply "No we're the best!" Then a bunch of brokers from that newbie's area jump on the band wagon and invite the person to check out their firm.
Bottom line is NOBODY can answer that question for you.
Each firm / franchise is different, and each agent has different needs. Not a single brokerage will address everything you need. Also, each office you walk into has a different feel, different set up, different group of agents you're working with.
Don't concentrate on fees. Concentrate on the training, leads, and mentoring offered to you. Also, don't pick an office totally based on splits. Pick an office you feel comfortable/welcome in and that offers you tools to succeed -- without picking your pocket dry for extra stuff like training.
For example, you may find an office with 50.50 split yet pays for all your signs, gives you ads, free training, gives you a mentor, and hands you leads. They pay for your continuing ed and you have lots of opportunity time.
And then you walk into an office that promises 70% split... and you have to pay for everything you want -- from signs and ads to even paying for the leads they "give" you. They push you into paid training programs (That'll be $495 please to join our super special training group) that may be excellent when you have cash coming in, but drain you when you're just starting. Agents stand in line for opportunity time and fight over leads. Which is the better choice for you?
Or there could be an office with desk fees, yet you get 90-100% of the commission. You know lots of people and have been in sales all your life. You don't need their leads and you hit the ground running, selling houses in the first 30 days. Now which office sounds good?
Each franchise offers good things, and each one has unique quirks you may love or hate. Each individual office has its own flavor depending on who is running it and who works there. The franchise that is run really well one town over, with a great office staff and friendly co-workers could be a snake pit in your own town. Unfortunately if you choose based on the other office's reputation, you won't know you're IN the snake pit till they're all around you.
Interview at least 3-6 offices before you choose and don't be tempted to join the first one you walk into.
Evaluate each one's strengths/weaknesses.
Look at splits offered, costs you are required to pay, costs that are optional/extra, how leads are handled, what training is offered, and if they have a plan to help you succeed. Then ask to spend a little time with the agents. Do they smile fake smiles and seem to have the attitude, "Oh no not another newbie" or are you given a genuinely warm welcome?
Then go with your gut. If you make a mistake, and 6 months from now realize you should have joined office A across the street, remember your license is portable.
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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.
If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.
We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about
Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!
We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.
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