Choosing a Broker is tough...or is it?
You go to classes, you study, you take a big test. Then what? You have to choose a Broker to work for/with. How do you do it? And how many new agent really put as much energy into interviewing Brokers as they did prepping for the test?
I put a lot of time and preparation into choosing a Broker. What did I do?
Web sites: I looked at company web sites of Real Estate companies in my area. I wanted to see how easy the site was to navigate, could I see all MLS listings, could I find information I was looking for, and was the site a source of community information?
Phone interviews: I called brokers and conducted phone interviews. I asked the standard questions they tell you to ask in school and added a few. One question I asked everyone, if I had a listing tomorrow would it be a problem? This question was asked under the premise I just passed the test 1 day prior. Ask a strange and challenging question. You will learn more then just the answer.
Associate interviews: I conducted phone interviews with associates that were currently working for brokers. Interesting what people will tell you over the phone. I learned a lot about their culture and ethics.
In person interviews: I met with the brokers of my top 3, chosen from the above criteria. What was the culture, structure, what do they do to set them apart, and how did we jell? I think personalities play a huge part in work place happiness. I did not want to go a company and get lost. I wanted them to care if there in 12 weeks, 12 months, or 12 years.
I wanted to work with a broker that had the technology to compete in this competitive industry. I wanted to be a part of Realtor.com. As Barbara Corcoran said on the Today Show, Realtor.com has the most houses to choose from and is the official site of the National Association of Realtors. My marketing plan needed this as well as a number of other web sites. Technology savvy was high on my criteria. Other important "extras" a broker can offer are: visual tours, onecallshow.com, business hub, virtual assistant. And of course how much will it cost me to do business there.
Happily, I have made Alliance Real Estate my home, alliancesells.com. I found all of the technological advantages and more in use at Alliance Real Estate. Choosing a broker is an exciting piece of the puzzle and very important to the success of your business. Make sure you put the energy into it.
Kim Fendrick
Alliance Real Estate, Omaha NE
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