As we move forward in rebuilding our office, so many decisions must be made. Not only has the physical landscape of my career been altered by not having an office, but the professional component has changed as well. Several months ago, GMAC Home Services was purchased by Brookfield Residential Property Services of Canada...a move that is supposed to improve our position in the market and provide even greater support services for our respective franchises. Being relatively new to the real estate industry, I'm a little "inexperienced" in the whole franchise-thing...and whether, or not, it's actually beneficial being a part of a relatively "new" franchise situation. For the most part, Brookfield is an "unkown" to most of us in the US. As we rebuild the HatmakerGroup.com office, many questions run through my mind...
Is it worth having a physical location? After all, most clients don't even visit real estate offices any more. The web is the preferred source of information. With all the techno-gadgets, social networking groups...and, of course Starbucks...who needs an office?!
Location, location, location...does it really matter in a hurricane stricken area? We now have an opportunity to locate HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate on a main corner, on a main street that is the first link to the beaches and Seawall. Hundreds of cars pass by daily, heading to the beach or the West End (where beautiful beach side, luxury homes are located). Does it matter? After all, it may be awhile before real estate traffic increases in Galveston due to weather concerns about the Texas Gulf Coast lingering in the public mind.
To Franchise, or not to franchise...that IS the question! I'd love to hear opinions on this one! If I'm not mistaken, some of the "real estate gurus" have suggested that being with a franchise during these turbulent times is the only way to go. With franchise fees taking so much of our GCI, do we actually get a return on our investment? Is there enough overall support from corporate to substantiate the fees? Does a franchise relationship go beyond "business" and make you feel like you are truly part of a "family?"
If franchising IS the way to go...which one is the best? I must say I was incredibly impressed with KW's handling and support of their local offices following Hurricane Ike. Certain other franchises (which shall remain nameless), on the other hand, did little to assist Houston and Galveston area offices with any of their damages. Very disappointing.
I somewhat "inherited" this business from a partner that decided to branch out on their own...so, I figured I'd had have a run at it and do my best to succeed. We'd grown to over 25 agents in just 12 months before Ike...and Sales Volume increased dramatically. But, with so many changes...which direction do I go now? What would YOU do? I'd love to hear your stories and opinions!
Comments (2)Subscribe to CommentsComment