We real estate agents have an interesting life. Most of us are independent contractors yet we are often part of a brokerage which may have many other independent contractors joined by the umbrella of a principal broker. This can make for some interesting working environments. An office can turn into a place of secrets and sometimes it can get down right nasty. It doesn't have to be that way. I chose to hang my hat at my broker for many reasons - here are my top ten.
With RJ Smith Realty A Real Estate Solutions Company
10. Commission - Opportunity to pick from three commission compensation packages so I can decide what will work best for me.
9. Profit Sharing Performance Premium - If the brokerage does well we all get our fair share after expenses are paid.
8. Advertisement - RJ Smith Realty has always been on the cutting edge on how we advertise and we continue to find new and innovative ways to promote listings and services.
7. Live Phone Service - Administrative assistants who answer phones during business hours and do their best to get the caller directed to the listing agent or another agent who can help the caller as quickly as possible
6. Name Recognition - When people think real estate in this area they often think RJ Smith Realty
5. Education - Our broker has brought in people who can help to educate us so that we can serve our customers and clients more efficiently.
4. Caring - The agents here show compassion and caring for our co-workers and our community.
3. Sharing - We are willing to share ideas and learn so much from the others in the office.
2. Fun - The agents who work at my broker know how to enjoy a good joke, a good party, and a good time at whatever we are doing.
1. Pride - I am proud to be associated with such a wonderful group of people who are behind the scenes in so many community volunteer efforts.
For me, I need to feel I am surrounded by people who can laugh, be supportive, and who are not afraid to share ideas that will improve my business as well as further the reputation and financial success of the brokerage itself. Working for a broker who is seen as successful and innovative as well as caring about the community and the agents who affiliate with them is very important. Sure commission split and compensation are important but the bottom line is working somewhere that you can feel at home and be proud to say you are a part of.
If you are not currently happy with your working environment there is only one person who can change it and that is you. Life is too short to spend it wishing you were somewhere else and complaining that things are not the way they should be. I hope you will all either work to change the environment at your current workplace or find the strength to change your workplace to somewhere else.
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Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086
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Paddy, you are so correct in stating how important it is that we chose a brokerage that is both supportative as well as well a good fit for us.
These are all good reasons for choosing one company over another! I like to tell prospective clients that I chose Long & Foster for some of the same reasons they will - and go on to name things that are important to consumers.
Good for you!! It sounds like the Keller Williams atmosphere or at least ours here in the Lake Norman area. I switched from RE/MAX about 4 months ago. I had heard about there "culture" and "motto". Honestly, I didn't believe it. I switced more for financial reasons in this market. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Your post is right on target the Keller Williams way. It truly is a TEAM effort. Everybody is always helping everybody learn new ways. We all have something we are better at. So we all share our info. Which makes our offices STRONG.
You are a lucky woman. I have a great place too. I love working there.
Paddy...
Excellent post, and I see that it has been featured right away! I like your number one and number two reasons the best, fun and pride. I think that's the reason I am where I am!
Well done.
It really sounds like you are happy where you hang your license. That is fantastic.
Paddy, this is great. I, too, work in a happy, fun, supportive and uplifting environment. That was not always the case and in my previous RE/MAX office, it got so that I hated to go in, even though I loved the people. The broker ran roughshod over us like we were in kindergarten. My current brokers are two generous men of great integrity and I am proud to be associated with them. My fellow agents, most of whom came from the same "other" office, are like family that God gave me belatedly!
It is good to work in a place that makes you feel important
Paddy, sounds like you work for a good broker and company. Sure makes life easier and more enjoyable.
You are rigtht on with it all. We usually spend more time with co-workers than with family members on a daily basis. I must say that all is not as well in my office but for the most part things are good. Still have those with 'secrets' but I don't need to know everything--
Great post. If you can't be happy while you work, what's the point. Thanks for sharing.
Paddy - an excellent list of reasons to be where you are. A willingness to share, to help other agents succeed is a rare thing in this business. Perhaps it is the profit sharing that lends to that.
Thank you Vickie. It is one of the most important choices we make.
Great Idea Margaret. I will follow up with a post specifically for buyers and sellers.
Our working environment is vital to our success. Thanks for the comment Wendy.
I am glad you like working where you are as well Russ.
Richard you the man! Thanks for the comment and for all you help. I am excited about that feature start too!
I am happy Steven Thanks for stopping by
I am happy for you Susan. It is great to love your company and the company they keep!
You are so right David. Thank you for the comment.
It does make for a better life Michael Thank you.
You are right there are some secrets that should not be shared Treva. As long as it does not hurt you not to know.
I don't think there is any point in spending our lives unhappy Yvette Thanks for the comment
The profit sharing does not hurt Mike that's for sure.
I totally agree. When I started with the business 4 years ago I researched 4 agencies. I went to their website sites I spoke to their agents I met with the brokers. I spent an hour or two at each office. I can honestly say I made the right decision then and it still feels good today!
Note: I go nuts when I call an office in the middle of the day and get an automated attendant with no option to speak to a live person...##@***Hugh!
You are right...life is too short to be in places that are not fulfilling. I also noticed that commission structure was at the bottom of your list: where it belongs. Wishing you continued success and happiness!
Paddy: It is GREAT to work in a place where you can feel happy and comfortable as well.
... sounds like a great place to be a part of :o)
I know what you mean Vanessa. There is nothing more frustrating to me as an agent and I don't understand why consumers put up with it.
Thanks for the comment from Green Parachute (Now I have to go find out who this is, LOL!)
You know it Roland!
Paddy, I think a crucial question for me is do I feel like I belong? Because each Brokerage has a different chemistry, values, etc. I can work somewhere that "looks good" but am miserable. Have to be where its a fit in all ways.
It is a great spot Sheldon
You are so right Kelly it is what you feel on the inside that matters.
Great post Paddy, alot of times agents choose an office strictly for the commission split. We need to take into consideration all of the other things you mentioned as well.
Paddy,
Another OUTSTANDING post. You are absolutely right. I am going to print this. All Brokers should strive to create the same atmosphere that is obvioulsly found in your office!
Paddy--Great post! It sounds like you work for a great company; a lot of the things you said are the same qualities Keller Williams has as well. "Life is too short to spend it wishing you were somewhere else"...that's so true!
Have a great day,
Anne Rains
Paddy, Wonderful words of advice. You sound like you have a wonderful place with supportive, caring people and that's the way it should be. What a wonderful environment to surround yourself with. Congratulations on your well deserved feature!
Great post. I reblogged you and did a very quick list for me and the brokerage I am with.
Paddy, Sounds like a wonderful place to work! I love the way you wrote your post with all the colors!
Sometimes it's necessary to do a little bouncing before settling in the right spot. I started in the right spot, but then they closed and I ended up at three different Brokerages before finding "home" again. It was so good I bought the office 8 years later!
Paddy, congrats on the star. Great post and wonderful information...
seems like there is an obvious "flee to quality" as buyers and sellers are looking to more long-standing companies in our business
Great post, I work for a group here in the Bay Area called Alain Pinel Realtors, great atmosphere, friends, support and name recognition.
You have to work where you are happy or it is no fun, then it's not productive and defeating.
All great reasons why you've joined your brokerage!
It sounds like Paddy Pizappi is very happy. Good for you. It's great when you can find an office with all those things combined.
Paddy - great post and you hit it on the head, while splits and commission are important (we all need to be paid fairly, I doubt any Realtor will ever be paid what they are worth - it's just too priceless for most people) it's the atmosphere that is the most important thing when choosing a broker. What's the general culture of the office and the company, how do they treat their emplyees, do people support each other, living from an attitude of abundance, or do they view every other agent as a competitor and therefore are not willing to share anything. Will that office come to your aid if you are in a car accident or someone in your family gets sick? If company treats its people well in the little things it will treat its people well in the big things like splits, staying on top when it comes to technology and training. Congratulations on finding a place that is all that for you and make sure that you share this with your broker - I'm sure they could use it as a recruiting tool!
Thanks for the post Paddy. I feel the same way about my office. It is good to see the list of reasons written down in one place. Have a great day!
Wasn't it Ghandi that said, "Be the change you want to see." Sounds like you did just that.
I feel blessed to work in an environment that is supportive and friendly. Drama is not something I need to deal with at work.
Paddy,
What if you can't figure out where your happy? When I got my license almost 2 years ago I started at Century 21, because that is the company i wanted to work for since I was 18 ( I'm in my 40's now).
But the office here in Waco Texas is small. Only 10 agents, and the company usually has about 15 to 20 listings. And the office is small and needs some serious remodeling. But I love the broker and the other agents. Last September a discount broker convinced me his company would help me get a large volume of listings. So I switched.
Needless to say it only took me a couple of weeks to realize I had made a big mistake! Instead of going back to Century 21, I joined Keller Williams. The keller Williams office here is big with about 65 agents. But there is a lot of backbiting, and I think it may be a little too big and corporate for me. But they have a fairly nice office and they do have a lot of education, which I like.
I don't know what to do. I think I want to go back to Century 21, but feel it will be a step backward. And i will never get any business going if I keep flip-flopping around. Comments or advice please!
Paddy-
I swicthed too. When I got my lisense I went into a firm that was... lets just say not for me...backstabbing..clinques, famliy favorites not good effective advertising and really a bad rep. I was so unhappy and my buisness was failing.
On a drewy day feeling low, and deperessed I stumbled upon Jack Canfield The Success Principals. It really was inspirational and lead me to make some major changes in my life and my career. Six months later I found my self at Remax with the top Broker and Company in my buisness area and now I am one of the top agents. Looking back now that book changed my life.. I would truly recommend reading his book or getting a audio cassestte. You can go to www.thesucessprincipals.com there is a free audio recording you can listen to.
Good luck I was where you are at now.. Its tough expecailly if you are stuggling finacially. You will find your way..
It's always great to see independent brokerages doing well locally and nationally. Congratulations and from one to another, Best of luck in 2009!!
You forgot why the other RJ Smith Realty agents think that this is a great place to work....Paddy Pizappi!!!
Congratulations on being happy where you work. It matters a great deal, although I beat to a different drum. I am not in real estate to make friends, although they are a wonderful by-product. I love the synergy of the agents in my office. However, I keep my head down and keep my eye on the prize. The reason I picked where I am is because of market share, reputation, commission split, great broker - many of the same reasons you share, but most of all, I am not hindered in any way in my work. I have worked at a few different brokerages back east before I relocated (back) to the Lake Tahoe area, and the most important thing to me are what I listed, and a supportive, knowledgable broker that can help me when I need it. That's what makes me happy.
Sounds like you found YOUR place.
Paddy - I like the criteria you used to make you choice and I like your priorities. Well Done.
It is not always all about the split is it Bill?
Thanks Cherimie. I am hopeful it will help others out
Thank you Anne BTW Active Rain is the perfect place for someone named Anne Rains
I am happy that I have found the right fit Carole. Thank you.
Thanks Maureen. I will check it out.
It is a great place Kristi. I like to spice things up with color and graphics, Thanks
Nice post! I totally agree, you have to enjoy the people you work with and if the enviroment it positive and supportive it makes the job more rewarding. In the Real Estate business we are faced with challenges everyday, so having that support system is crutial.
Good for you Colleen!
Thank you so much Michael.
So true Paul. Glad you found a good spot for your license to hang.
Flee to Quality I like that James
Good for you Rita.
You are right Tom if you are not happy you can't be productive.
Thanks for the comment Myrick
I am happy Tim.
Already sent it on to him Becky thanks,
Thanks Lou Glad you have a great spot too.
I like that quote Norma Thanks,
So true Hope I get enought drama from my teenage daughters at home.
Hey Ann sent a private message good luck with whatever you do.
I am happy where I am which was the whole point of the post but will take a look at the website Monica
Thanks from our brokerage to yours, Castellum Realty. Here's to the hometown touch.
Thanks Susan. I like working with you too.
I have Terry Thanks for stopping by
Thank you George. Have a great day.
A support system is improtant Lisa. Thanks.
Sounds like you're in the right place to thrive. Good luck!
Sounds like a terrific place to work. It makes it so much easier to come to work in a place where there is a positive attitude that we all know is what is needed in today's tough selling environment.
Hey, is RJ's mustachioed picture still on the For Sale signs?........you know........the one that looks like it is from 1910? :)
Yes I am Diane Hope you are too.
No Steve RJ retired the mustache and the photo. We do all have our pics on our signs however. I think that is part of the reason we do so well.
Monica: Thanks for your post about Jack Canfield and his success principles. I'll check it out.
Paddy: This is a great topic, thanks for bringing it up. I offer up to 100% commission for my top agents in CA, but there is so much more involved! Everyone gets complete thorough training, participation in a mentor program, and advancement opportunities for those who want to develop more diverse skills or specialize in a Niche. The reason I designed my office this way is because I feel, like you do, that high compensation is important, but investing in the PERSON and their CAREER shows caring and concern. The golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated!
Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice
Regina P. Brown
Sounds like a nice office Regina. I will check out the group.
We have a Great Office too. The Realtor in this office offer to help and get along with one another. That can make or break some offices.
You are so right Tony. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Paddy -- I'm glad you are happy! :-) There are so many different business models out there, and what is right for one person, necessarily isn't for another, that's what makes the world go round. From 1950s mentaility old-school companies, to modern (semi) international/national/regional/local companies, to small/custom/boutique/innovative companies (like my own brokerage I created), Internet brokerages, to discount brokerages, there is a place in this spectrum for all agents and consumers alike.
The sad fact is, it is very hard for consumers to truly make sense out of our industry because of it's lack of best practices (since there is no agreement), no cohesive and reliable, 3rd party information source who can be trusted, and the diverse business models, let alone the myriad of agents who practice real estate.
No easy answers, but a whole lot of diversity, and it keeps getting more diverse as each year unfolds, which is a wonderful thing!
I am at my second office since starting and I concur with your list Paddy. I knew in about 3 days that I was in the wrong place with my first choice. Oh how it makes a difference.
Nice post!
Great Top 10, Paddy. It is important to like where you work, who you work with and what they represent. After all, they reflect you as a realtor as well.
Hi Paddy~ Those are great reason why you work where you work. The only thing we don't have at our office is Profit Sharing! Vickie
I changed offices about a year ago and it has really changed my business in a good way. It is a fun and friendly enviroment with many successful long term agents that are supportive. It changed the way I thought about my Real Estate business and I love my career now.
Nice post, Paddy! There's nothing quite as nice as being in an office that really works for you!
Great post, and ten good reasons to find a broker and be happy there., But, most important a broker who is supportive.
Paddy, your top ten list reads as though we work for the same brokerage. All ten reasons on your list match what I am offered at my office. It sure feels good to work in an environment like we both have. Thanks for your post and happy blogging!
Paddy, it sounds good to me too! That's an important list of requirements they are fulfilling for you! I wish you the absolute best of luck and prosperity.
Later in the rain~Deb
Glad you have the opportunity to work where you are happy -- sounds like a great arrangement. We are happy as well.
Hey Paddy, what a nice post to say about your brokerage. I too feel pretty lucky having the firm I am working with. Congrats on the gold star!
It is important to find the right fit! I'm glad to see you have found yours. I love my work place and would never considering leaving it. I have a perfect fit.
A good working environment is a basic key to success.
Paddy,
Glad to hear that you've found a great place to work. Continuing education is one of the keys to success in any business; real estate, mortgage, anything. Everyone in the office benefits from that.
Yes Chris it can be confussing. Old fashioned service and attention are what consumers generally desire.
It really does make a difference Sharon and Greg
Absolutely Tom and Bev
Hey Vickie Profit sharing is a nice perk.
It is really important to love where you work Jessica isn't it?
Thanks Patricia. It is so true
Support is important too Rebecca Thanks for the comment
Glad to see it happens elsewhere Jason
The same back at you Deb.
Glad you are happy Bob and Carollyn!
Thank you Teresa. A star is always nice!
Glad you found your perfect fit Dorie.
Absolutely Brian
You are so right Esku
Of couse, I agree with you 100%. There are so many great people here and it is so nice that we can all share ideas and support each other in good times and bad. It is also so important that we have the luxury of a live person to answer the phones seven days a week. I think that it is becoming rare and it is really important that when someone calls to schedule an appointment or ask for an agent or any other reason that they are able to talk to someone, rather than fumbling through pressing numbers and eventually getting angry and sometimes hanging up. Also, I agree that we are always on the cutting edge and that it is so important. Congrats on the feature!!!
We do have a great group and some wonderful opportunities here Sue J Thanks for the comment