Ramblings of a Baltimore area Realtor

In my recruiting I think the biggest obstacle I have encountered is to the style of brokerage that I own and manage. 

I own an Advance Realty franchise in Maryland.  Advance Realty are the "Full Service Discount Experts".  We list properties for 1.75% on our side, offering buyer's agents the going rate of 2.5 to 3% or more depending on the property. 

Agents say, "how can I make any money".  I have prepared a spreadsheet that clearly outlines the sales they have generated and the commissions and show them the difference between our company and usually Coldwell Banker, Long and Foster, Century 21 etc.. The difference on the listing side is generally about $30 or $40 in favor of their existing broker, but on the selling side it is generally quite a bit more.  An agent that I interviewed this week would have earned $42,000 more with our office than where he currently is, and we don't charge desk fees.  But, it's getting the agents who are dissatisfied with their current brokerage to even come in and consider our company that is the hard part, even after explaining to them the positives.  Our existing agents have listed more homes and hence they have sold more homes than when they were with their previous company.  I am no exception to that rule myself.  I am still an active agent working on referrals from previous business only.  I currently have 9 active listings with 4 more that I'm working on.  A good year for me is 46 sales, and now that I am part time as an agent and full time as an office manager I have more business than I had as a full time agent. 

The old adage of "build it and they will come" is not working.  Any suggestions?

I don't think it's just me, but, have you noticed how many agents and loan officers are no longer in the business? As our industry returns to some semblence of normalcy many people who joined for a quick buck are now gone.  To those who remain, are you thinking about making a change?  Are you finding that your manager and company is less than supportive as you struggle with your day to day business?  Over the next few months we are all in for a rough ride but as our industry changes consider what things are important to you in your real estate career and consider your options and take a look at what other companies have to offer.  There is nothing ventured nothing gained.  Talk to your colleagues, the agents you have sat across from at the settlement table and find out what others have to offer. 

Take a look at what some of the alternative agencies have to offer.  Advance Realty offers the list more sell more model and high commission splits with no desk fees.  The consumer likes the full service business model that saves them money and still gets their home sold.

Think about it....