Admin

The Right Time

By
Real Estate Agent with Century21 Fridley Realtors

Is there ever just the right time to change brokers?  I have recently made a change and have really been feeling bad about the confusion and loss it causes.  There had been an offer thrown out to me and I had responded that if I did make a change it would be about two months down the line as I felt an obligation to my sellers to try my best to market and move their property for them before jumping ship.

However, the change was made prematurely and there is no question that listings stay with the brokers.  In my case, this created some phone calls and upset with everyone losing so much from the transition (at least that is my opinion).  Some sellers think something bad has happened to the agent and this concerns them.  Some become disgruntled as they dealt with an individual and not a brokerage.  Some just want their place sold.  Some become so confused about the upheaval that they just pull the listing.

The sellers lose the person who was dedicated to marketing their property, the broker loses all the exposure and the loyalty that the agent has displayed over the years in addition to a percentage of the listings they had. Buyers stay with the agent they have been working with as they do not wish to start over in their search for property.  I truly feel that the sellers and the brokerage are the ones who have to back-track the most as the agent rides off to greener pastures.

I fully realize there is never going to be a way to change this.  Agents go to where they can make the most folding green and to the realty who has the best "fringes".  Though my change seems to be the perfect fit, I can't seem to quit thinking about all the people who were affected.  I have determined that THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME TO CHANGE BROKERS!

TIME 

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Prudential Preferred Realty Butler PA
Prudential Preferred Realty - Butler, PA
i've never moved companies, but I can just imagine your stress level right now.  Hang in there - you seem to be happy at the new place!
Oct 07, 2007 01:32 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate
I moved 4 months ago, after 7 years with my previous brokerage. I actually found the perfect time! I had just closed on most of my listings and the only ones left were over priced and/or had other issues. And the change has been wonderful! I just chalk it up to a "God-thing" I prayed about it for a long time before moving, and it was a smooth, profitable transition.
Oct 07, 2007 01:40 PM
Anthon Pang
iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage - Toronto, ON
Broker

Some brokerages let you take your listings with you if you move.  (My brokerage actually put this in writing.)  Ask your broker-of-record and/or check your contract

Oct 07, 2007 01:46 PM
Barb Merrill
Cactus Mountain Properties, LLC - Tempe, AZ
GRI, Associate Broker
Your clients have hired YOU because they believe in YOU and what YOU have to offer them.  Where you hang your license isn't really that important to them.
Oct 07, 2007 01:57 PM