Especially the part about training classes…… to put together a really good class, one people will want to come to, takes some serious time and effort! I feel like if an agent has time to put together a good class, then they don’t have enough business to have the most current, relevant information in the class.

For those that are interested, I am fortunate in that I work with a locally owned brokerage that is pretty no-nonsense when it comes to fees. Just a nice, competitive desk fee (with options even), flexible split, no franchise fees, no tech fees, no transaction fees, and some very low cost, completely optional services (flyer printing, postage, listing syndication, etc.). Managing brokers are always available, I’m on a first name basis with the owners, they keep my paperwork organized, and I get paid right away. They work hard to maintain a solid reputation and market share, and are very selective about the agents they let in. After being there for a couple years, I decided to persue a recruiting call, just to see what I might be missing. Big, nationwide franchise company. The broker interviewing me had never met the owners. He didn’t expect that question, and I was done with the interview after his answer.

Thus, is the case for more transparency!

Jay I’m going to call you next week so we can share ideas. Thanks for the offer.

I don’t begrudge my brokerage a fee – just make it reasonble. I don’t want to pay for things I don’t use or do not find beneficial to my business.

Office supply fees when I don’t use the office supplies. I am rarely in the office and have everything I need at home.

Home books which I have never recived a call from – okay -one call for over $600. a year.

I don’t need the fancy office so don’t tell me how much it takes to pay your bills. I’m interested in paying my bills and making a living.

Like you, I want a broker who is available to answer questions and guide me when I need it; someone who supports me and my business.

I create my own business, I want my number (only) on the sign. I’m not about feeding floor time agents and my time is too valuable to work floor time.

I don’t take a lot of time from my broker or the office, only when I talk about making a change, then they want to listen and help.

I believe there is a lot of talented broker/agents out there who will be providing agents what many of the big brokerages are missing.

I’d like to hear the motivation of broker/owners who play the delay game. What’s the motivation?

Uhm… no.

And I ain’t no spring chicken….

We should chat sometime Bryant about the trials and tribulations of opening a brokerage. I’ve got 4 whole months of experience now.

Monthly office fee + inflated E&O + misc office fees + per page fax fees + copy fees + phone bill = 100% ???

I’ve never understood that math.

Plus, you get to pay those monthly office fees even if you have no transaction or use/need the desk. So be sure to deduct that from your “100%” commission too….

Remax provides nothing, you pay a monthly fee for the “brand” and a desk but you keep 100%. Pay your own E&O at an inflated price. Misc office fees, per page of fax, per copy, phone bill….everything is charged.

KW provided general office signs that new agents could use to get started, but hey only had a few and naturally they had the brokerages phone number. KW also has some of the best training on a national level, not talking about what is in the office as that will depend on the agents that are willing to teach it. KW was 70/30 with a 18k cap in my office, so I was 100% within a couple months each year. Had to pay E&O, was really close to actual expense, payed for copies and long distance.

Talked with CB and C21 when they attempted to recruit me and they both offered signs (would need a rider with my name and phone number so no value to me) and some advertising, but a much lower split 60/40 with no cap (even with production at the time of $10 million plus).

It is possible to provide a stimulating environment without having to charge agents an arm and a leg. It is possible to provide same day paychecks to agents as a normal business practice. It is possible to provide agents with sophisticated technologies for low costs, if not for free. It is even possible for the brokerage to stay the hell out of the way of it’s agents until they need help.

All this is possible if the broker wants to run his/her business that way. As a benevolent dictator it is easy for me to create the kind of culture that believes in agent promotion over company branding. The struggle continues to be to find agents like yourself who thrive on independence and demand an environment like the one you have so eloquently portrayed.

So thanks again for the affirmation.

PS. I still have the other red mitten. It’s lonely.