Brokerage offices, the "brick and mortar" kind, have changed considerably during the past few years, mostly because of technology which makes real estate professionals able to work out of their "home office" so much more efficiently. What does a broker really need in terms of space and equipment?
Must Haves for those brokers who have salespeople:
1. A commercial address with a sign on the door to satisfy the powers that be.
2. A seating area to meet clients (let's call this the "conference room"--which can be the entire office.)
3. A file room that can be locked (even though there are less and less files these days).
4. A door with a wide mail slot with drop box where something can be delivered (unless you keep regular office hours and someone is there).
5. A wall to hang the broker's and salespersons' licenses on.
Office Space - Optional:
1. A place for a receptionist or "floortime" salesperson.
2. A private office for the broker that can be locked.
3. An open area with space for sales people to come and plug in their computers (no one really needs "their" desk).
Equipment:
1. A copy machine.
2. Office stuff like pens, pencils, copy paper.
3. A watercooler, coffee machine, small fridge, (Splurge on these homey items.)
4. Universal Office computer - for use when scanning, faxing, printing MLS pages, etc.
5. Land phone line (with a small brokerage, may not even be necessary).
5. Wi Fi (although with HOT SPOTS on one's phone, this is not even necessary)
My thoughts:
Make the brokerage office a small jewel with comfortable seating, great lighting, with some good art on the wall and carpet on the floor. Fresh flowers are always uplifting. Serve excellent coffee in real cups. Also a big screen to preview listings. These are some of the things that clients will remember. Maybe one of your staging consultants can help get a real "wow" effect.
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