Why Do People Assume A Realtor Team Is Better?

Joan: As long as your team is good and the clients agree, I can see it working. However, if I were the client, I would like to hear from the guy/gal I'm signing up with after that. That's the kind of service I provide. You have a question or a concern or whatever, I'm there for you. Maybe team members can do some other things behind the scenes? That would be optimal, it seems to me.

Every real estate agent is different. It sounds like you prefer the Margaret Rome model.

I have had experience with the good team and not so good team. It just depends on the leadership and the level of organization to ensure a smooth transaction.

I think a small team concept can probably work really well, but it should be done right.  I agree with you on those who get the listing then the seller never hears from them again.  Also agree on those who mentioned the mega agents stats when it's really agents on their "team" who did all the work.  

It is called living in the lie and we are all doing it in America, and not just in Real Estate which is at the top of the heap. People's perception of what is going on in a real estate transaction is completely different from reality. We have to have an honest and complete listing presentation.

Joan, excellent conversation!  I have worked both ways and have also worked opposite of both single independent brokers, individual agents who work for big box firms (or boutique brokerages) and agents who work on teams.  There are several larger teams in my area who 'say' that they are the best and who do manage to land a fair number of listings but, then the customer service is NEVER there--not for their sellers OR the agent on the other side of the table!  However, I've experienced the same thing with individual agents and brokers. 

I am an owner of a boutique brokerage (just over 30 agents) and my own team as well.  My team is small but, I can tell you that I never land a listing and then simply disappear!  Buyers agents can EASILY reach me, sellers can also easily reach me.  When it comes to buyers, I do have a couple of showing agents and every single email or conversation between any of my other agents is relayed to me so that we are ALL on the same page.  AND, the client can reach either of us at any time, and we're up to speed on the transaction.  That's not always the way it works though.

I honestly had a Closing with buyers last week who had sold their home with another agent and wound up phoning me to represent them as buyers because their listing agent was so 'absent' during the selling process.  They did not hear from the agent from the day the house was listed until the day they received an Offer and then again, NEVER after that!  The agent even had their assistant review and negotiate the repairs with the sellers!!!  And, furthermore, didn't even show up to Closing!  It appears that repeat business is NOT in that agent's team's business model at ALL!  I don't understand it but, I'd venture to say that even when that agent was an independent agent, the level of customer service was similar. 

So, I don't think that the quality of customer service is related to the client being represented by a team (or not) - but, it does have everything to do with the team leader's commitment to exceptional customer service.

Joan I am thinking about this myself as I am still in the office WORKING ON SOME TASKS that I should outscore to talent on my TEAM. Problem?-I dont have any team members. Its just me,myself and I. I am with you though. But honestly speaking as our duties and responsibilities continue to grow,there is definitely no way ONE PERSON cant do it all by themselves. You are going to need help as your real estate business continues to grow.

A great Discussion and it really does depend on the particular "team."  I like what Debe had to say

"I don't think that the quality of customer service is related to the client being represented by a team (or not) - but, it does have everything to do with the team leader's commitment to exceptional customer service."

Glad that you found a niche that works for you; knowing that you are happy with being self-employed give 110% percent, your clients will surely see how you will stand out as a committed realtor.

Joan - in theory I can see the value of a well working team. Simply because we all have our strong sides and weak sides, and a really good team can present only strong sides in every situation.

So, if a team can do it, they probably would be very successful. You mentioned that there are hundreds of small things there, and this is exactly the reason why a team can be successful Somebody can beat you in those small things. They may do better marketing, better photos, better other things, leaving you do what you do best.

While I said that, I myself work with just members of my family, and they are my team. They do, what they do better. They complement what I do better. And because it is my wife and my son, it comes naturally...

Many teams have systems that work well and others leave much to be desired. Communication is key among team members and between client and the appropriate team member.  Most complaints happen when the latter does not take place. As many have mentioned, we are all members of our larger team: title company, lender, stager, inspectors, etc.

Teams are mostly for the members so they can cover for others and ostensibly deliver better overall service to their clients.  It is also a way to establish better lead generation and utilizing the key strengths of each member.  I suppose it is also a way to promote a company feeling and bring along new hires in terms of training.  But I would not want to be a part of a team.  Then again I formed my own company to call my own shots.

Joan,

I agree with Debe it is not exactly a size problem but as you address the issue in your blog it is all about service.  Whether dealing with a team or a single person it is all about their focus on service.  Just as many here in Activerain are more focused and dedicated to taking care of our clients above and beyond what most other agents out there do.