Thread: New to Real Estate Industry

Focus on what the individual broker has to offer - and less on the franchise.
Not all offices are equal in what they provide, even within the same franchise.

I'm currently with a REMAX office, but there a couple other REMAX offices in town that I would want nothing to do with.

Originally Posted by Malok

Focus on what the individual broker has to offer - and less on the franchise.
Not all offices are equal in what they provide, even within the same franchise.

I'm currently with a REMAX office, but there a couple other REMAX offices in town that I would want nothing to do with.

i'm going for the interview on tuesday. i actually thought about that a little bit and discussed that with a friend.

should i try and get into a better neighborhood?

what about the office, or the characteristics, the people in the office should i know about?

Originally Posted by DonaldTrump

i'm going for the interview on tuesday. i actually thought about that a little bit and discussed that with a friend.

should i try and get into a better neighborhood?

what about the office, or the characteristics, the people in the office should i know about?

Neighborhood is somewhat irrelevant, unless your clients would fear for their safety or some such.


Find the office thats a market leader. If it feels alive when you walk in, chances are its a good work environment.

There's a saying: If you want something done, find a busy person to do it.

I'm new to this forum, but I gather you are fairly new to real estate? I recently changed brokers and am amazed at the difference in the companies. Have you had real training outside of licensing classes? If not, I suggest you look for a company offering training and mentoring. So far, I think I made the right choice based solely on that! My new company is not one of the nationwide brokerages, but it's been around and successful for many years. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Malok

Neighborhood is somewhat irrelevant, unless your clients would fear for their safety or some such.


Find the office thats a market leader. If it feels alive when you walk in, chances are its a good work environment.

There's a saying: If you want something done, find a busy person to do it.

Originally Posted by DonaldTrump

i'm going for the interview on tuesday. i actually thought about that a little bit and discussed that with a friend.

should i try and get into a better neighborhood?

what about the office, or the characteristics, the people in the office should i know about?

Don't worry about what neighborhood your office is in as that will not likely drive much business directly to you. You can work anywhere in your state if you so desire so location of your office should only be looked at as for convenience of commute to your home and neighborhood of specialty. Some people seem to think who is in their office is important. I don't as long as I feel the broker is ethical and the portion of the office that would be exposed to clients is professional the rest doesn't matter. If you are going to be successful in real estate you are not going to be spending much time in the office anyways. If you spend very much time during working hours in the office you will fail.

Now when it comes to the interview go in understanding that you are the brokers client similar to buyers and sellers being your clients. The broker needs to have agents to make it profitable to open an office. You should be the one in control of the interview not the broker. Make sure you know what the brokerage will offer you because the franchise stuff you can find at any of the franchise offices all over your area or even in the town next to you and you can always work out of your home office. So, the broker is there to answer questions you have, provide a place to hang your license, and give you exposure.

It is a tough market.

Choosing a broker and an office is an important decision. It can make a HUGE difference in your production. The problem is that there are SO MANY variables at work it can be nearly impossible to guide you straight to the office that's right for you.

Some things to consider which are very important:

■ Do you feel comfortable and friendly with the broker or office manager?
■ Do they seem supportive and eager to build your business?
■ What's their reputation among other brokers, agents, and consumers?
■ Are they up front about the costs you'll incur and the services they provide?
■ Do you feel at home with the other agents in the office?
■ Are agents in the office busy working at their desks or on the phone? Or are they gathered around the lunch table gossiping?
■ Has the office manager asked you about your goals? Your business plan and strategy? How much money you plan to make? And what will be required in order to achieve those goals? Or have they simply pointed out an empty desk that's available?
■ Do you see lots of signs in the areas you plan to work?
■ Is the office manager supportive of your plan to work these areas? Or have they told you another agent 'owns' that neighborhood?
■ Are there comfortable private conference rooms to bring your clients?
■ Will you be proud to bring your clients into this office?
■ Will you receive support in the way of referrals, relos, or phone opportunity?
■ How often are sales meetings? Can you attend to check it out before committing?
■ Do you like the colors? Are you more comfortable with red, yellow, gold, or blue? Believe me, you'll have to get used to them!

Interview with at least 5 or 6 different companies and offices. Get a feeling for what you like the most and what you like less. Then weigh all the differences.

In the end, much of this comes down to personalities anyway. I worked for a great manager at a great office. My manager left and suddenly the office was a nightmare. Things change. Be adaptable. Good luck!