"Why list with that agent when he works for ME? If I'm the Broker and or Owner, don't you think I have ALL the better resources to market and sell your home?" I can't tell you how many times I've heard this statement from sellers and from agents commenting on how the broker / owner of a particular brand competes with his or her own agents. Not just here in Birmingham, Alabama, but all across the country. Why pay large upfront fees and or huge commissions to be treated like this?
Your broker should be a place of support, someone that can help you get through tough times, someone who motivates you to take your business to the next level. And, during a market change your broker needs to provide you with the right tools and education to power through and come out on the other side with even more market share. Don't you deserve this type of support?
As a former RE/MAX agent, I can say that competing against your owner destroys your mindset; especially when you write out that large check at the first of every month to him or her. When times are good and everyone has the opportunity to get his or her fair share, a competing broker may not affect you, your mindset, or your business. But, when you notice one or two agents within your office get lots of listings and leads and you suddenly realize that your broker / owner is handing the business he doesn't want, after cherry picking the best, to these agents, you feel cheated. Why aren't you getting any of these leads? Yes, she has the right to distribute leads to anyone she wants because it is her business. But, don't you pay just as much or not more to the office as the other agents? Have you just not kissed up enough to be on this list?
As a broker, team leader for Keller Williams Realty, I DO NOT COMPETE with our agents. My job is to coach, consult, train, support, motivate, encourage, and HELP you get your business where you want it to be. The best part is, our agents get this level of support without paying out a large upfront check every month. And, in many cases while they are earning 100% of their own commissions AND receiving a profit sharing check deposited into their account on the 21st of each month. That's a WIN-WIN!
If you're tired of the cut-throat competition and DEMAND more support and a REAL difference, call me at 205-397-6500. A positive environment can change your world!
It truly is a GREAT day at Keller Williams!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Don't Become a Prisoner in Your Real Estate Office
Imagine the day you join a Real Estate office. You order your new business cards, order your signs, pick out your desk, and get issued a company uniform; a jumpsuit with horizontal black and white stripes. What? Yes. It also comes equipped with handcuffs, a ball and chain, and an expensive buy out clause.
Be CAREFUL what you sign. As an agent, you are an independent contractor. But, different companies have different independent contractor agreements and requirements. Know what you're getting yourself into before you sign anything. In other words, know your exit strategy. You could get yourself into a costly situation. And, worse, get yourself stuck in an environment that ruins your mindset.
Things to look for when signing an independent contractor agreement:
1) If I leave this company, do I get a reduction in commission on my upcoming closings I've already turned in to the office? Some companies reduce your commissions to a 50/50% split on contracts you've already turned in to the office preparing for closing.
2) Can my seller clients transfer their listings to me at my new company without penalty? Yes, listings are technically the property of your broker. So, make sure you know how he or she deals with the transfer of listing agreements.
3) Do I have a penalty to pay if I ever leave? Some brokerages charge a large fee or 2 to 3 months of previous rent. Some may require a 60 day or longer notice to waive any of these fees.
At Keller Williams Realty, we have a different philosophy. Your business is YOUR business. We know that people are only doing business with us because of YOU. So, if you ever decide you want to leave us, we let you transfer your listings easily. There is never a penalty or a fee either. We make doing business with us very EASY.
Your mindset is the most important equipment you have to succeed in Real Estate sales. So, protect it by knowing what you're signing. You don't want to become a prisoner in your own office; especially if it's an office that is NOT committed to seeing your business grow and flourish and you as a person reach new levels of growth, as well.
If at any time you'd like to experience freedom, shed the jumpsuit and call me at 205-397-6500. Let's get your business on track so you can buy your own uniform!
Be CAREFUL what you sign. As an agent, you are an independent contractor. But, different companies have different independent contractor agreements and requirements. Know what you're getting yourself into before you sign anything. In other words, know your exit strategy. You could get yourself into a costly situation. And, worse, get yourself stuck in an environment that ruins your mindset.
Things to look for when signing an independent contractor agreement:
1) If I leave this company, do I get a reduction in commission on my upcoming closings I've already turned in to the office? Some companies reduce your commissions to a 50/50% split on contracts you've already turned in to the office preparing for closing.
2) Can my seller clients transfer their listings to me at my new company without penalty? Yes, listings are technically the property of your broker. So, make sure you know how he or she deals with the transfer of listing agreements.
3) Do I have a penalty to pay if I ever leave? Some brokerages charge a large fee or 2 to 3 months of previous rent. Some may require a 60 day or longer notice to waive any of these fees.
At Keller Williams Realty, we have a different philosophy. Your business is YOUR business. We know that people are only doing business with us because of YOU. So, if you ever decide you want to leave us, we let you transfer your listings easily. There is never a penalty or a fee either. We make doing business with us very EASY.
Your mindset is the most important equipment you have to succeed in Real Estate sales. So, protect it by knowing what you're signing. You don't want to become a prisoner in your own office; especially if it's an office that is NOT committed to seeing your business grow and flourish and you as a person reach new levels of growth, as well.
If at any time you'd like to experience freedom, shed the jumpsuit and call me at 205-397-6500. Let's get your business on track so you can buy your own uniform!
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