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Noah Seidenberg, Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917 (Coldwell Banker)

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2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Freedom!  

No Office Politics.

No "Broker's Favored Agents", aka the attractive female agents who are given the choice clients and referrals (I know of a Broker who did exactly that, everyone questioned what he was getting in return).

No mandatory Floor Time.

No "Advertising Fees", No Splits.

---  The Ability to Negotiate Commissions and Fees, the ability to charge what YOU want to charge ---

No 8:00AM mandatory meetings.

*** I have worked with Coldwell Banker, and with two different Century 21 Offices.  I highly respect and am grateful to both companies.    But I have been Independent since 1993, and wouldn't have it any other way.

 

The caveat to being your own Broker is the tremendous personal responsibility (no Broker or Office Manager to run to for help).  When challenges arise, look to the mirror for help, because that's the only place it is coming from.

Jan 12, 2015 12:05 AM
Rainmaker
356,584
Evelyn Santiago, Managing Broker Heart Realty Group, Inc.
Heart Realty Group, Inc.. - Oswego, IL
Passionate About Real Estate & Our Clients!

Once I worked at other established brokerages and figured out that in real estate you have to bring in your own clients I asked myself why should I give my broker money to use "their" name.  After working 30 or more years in corporate America the thought of not having to "report" to anyone but myself really appealed to me.  Went on my own in 2006 and have not looked back...yes its not for everyone - you have to be self-motivated, be of service to those that may not appreciate your work but like Sinatra said it best "I did it my way"!

Jan 11, 2015 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

One of my best reasons (in addition to the relative "freedom" and not having to split my commission for no good reason) is to be able to "do things right".

Jan 12, 2015 12:38 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

For me it was a matter of never ever again being in a position of being told "just close the deal" even when lender fraud was taking place and I would have had to throw my clients under the bus. It's about control. By the time I left the brokerage I was with ... there were no perks I was paying for things I never used. 

Jan 11, 2015 11:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,810,149
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Noah - The last year we were at Big Box, we didn't use a single product or tech tool of theirs - the ones we had developed were better. We ranked higher on Google searches than they did. And our broker was an idiot. So for the privelege of having their roof over our heads, and with the highest split in the company, we still paid them over $66k. Leaving and starting our own company was a no-brainer, and it has worked out extremely well. And not a single client has cared. But we had an advantage - we have always used our own brand, our own marketing and our own ID. From our clients' view, the only thing that really changed was a physical location.

Jan 12, 2015 01:42 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

When I first became an agent, no large brokerage would allow me to practice buyer agency...in those days that was considered taboo.  So I got a brokers license and went into business an an Exclusive Buyer Agency Office.

I have always been a leader and could not see myself being told what to do by someone that knew less than I did.  I also did not see anyone in any office having my high standards.

I liked the control that I had over having my own office and making all my own decisions and setting the bar high for everyone that worked for me.  I admit, I micro-managed.

Looking back, I would not have hired so many agents...they drain your time and energy.  I am much happier now just working clients and not having to take up any slack.

Eve

Jan 11, 2015 11:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,706,465
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Noah, I started my real estate career at KW. I was with that firm four years. I left there and went to a local brokerage that wasn't smaller just local for a better split. I had never planned on being my own broker but a few months ago, Tennessee Real Estate Commission announced that changes would be made to advertising laws.

Right now, we are required to have our brokerage name and phone number on all advertising. On our signs, the brokerage name and number must be larger than the agent's name. However, websites only require the brokerage name and number but the current laws don't state a size or location for that information. Many agents have started branding themselves with their brokerage name being placed in the footer.

Big companies like KW, ReMax, Coldwell Banker don't like all the agent branding that's occurring here. They have lobbied Tennessee to change the advertising laws so that the brokerage name would be dominant in all advertising and that the agent/team names be in much smaller font than the brokerage name.

I pay for my website. All the content on that website was created by me. The idea that my brokerage would get the credit for my hard work is absolutely ridiculous. The thought that a buyer or seller might call my brokerage because they think my personal website is owned by the brokerage was too upsetting to me. TREC hasn't changed the laws yet but the hand writing is on the wall. It's only a matter of time before these changes are implemented.

I am in the process of opening my own brokerage. In Tennessee, running my own brokerage costs less than my current split so I'll be ahead of the game. It wasn't about the money for me. It was the principle. Why should my brokerage be given credit for my work? Especially, when I don't get any business from them. 

Jan 12, 2015 08:44 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Can't speak for others Noah, but for me the one which I left had a bit too much office politics and a lot of back stabbing going on.  The broker was much more interested in his bottom line than mine.  

Working in my now 4 person office has been a dream and all of us have made more than we did with the previous firm.

Jan 12, 2015 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,026,854
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

One size does not fit all, and thank goodness we have options regarding our choice of brokerage.

Jan 12, 2015 12:57 AM
Rainer
167,316
Tamir Ness
Ness Property Management Group - Brickell, FL
Love It, Breath It, Live It!

because you are an entrepreneur at heart and can't tolerate answering to someone else

Jan 12, 2015 12:21 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Noah, I started  out with big box and went over to an independent brokerage right when the market went down and everyone thought my broker was crazy for opening up at that time.  He's now the biggest independent brokerage around and we have more agents than some of the big box companies around.  In the process, our brokerage has become a brand.  Our split is minimal and as individual agents we can run our businesses as we see fit.   I might consider having my own brokerage in the future but for the time being, this suits me well.

Jan 12, 2015 11:16 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I like being in charge.  I don't follow well.  I like being the Sheppard and not the a sheep.

Jan 12, 2015 10:09 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Prudential cared more about nickel and diming agents than they did in keeping a top listing agent.  I left over a $250 color copy fee, and they wouldn't let me run my business the way I wanted to run it.  People were calling their office looking for me, not calling the office and finding me.  I found them first on the internet and they wanted to hand them out to other agents.

Jan 12, 2015 09:51 AM
Rainer
423,443
Marnie Matarese
DWELL REAL ESTATE - Sarasota, FL
Showing you the best of Sarasota!

For all the people above who went out on their own and are happy about it, I echo their reasons.  For me and my partner the most pressing reason to go on our own was because we felt that because the big box companies are so tuned in to the bottom line (as they have to be) that we did not have enough flexibility to get some of our most difficult deals done without being financially penalized.  

 

Here is an example:

We had a listing from hell that was only going to appeal to 1% of the entire population of the entire galaxy.  It was listed for $320,000 and worth every penny of it to a creature from Mars.  Eureka! The Mars man showed up and offered $300,000 to which the seller would never have agreed except that we did the entire transaction for just 3% because there was not another agent involved.  Had we been with a big box company we would have had to pay the split based on 6% of the purchase price not the 3% our small firm charged.  Neither of us likes to give commission away or work for nothing but the job we were given was to sell the client's house.  We knew that if we held out for a higher price it would never sell and that if we did not work this buyer to a close there would probably not be another one like him in a blue moon.  It was so refreshing to just make the deal and not have to use the crummy used car salesman line of "let me speak to my manager."  I think that is one of the most important things to both me and my partner.  There is nothing that a big box company can do for us that we cannot do for ourselves.  Almost every "tool" they offer is available to us without them and most of the tools are all about branding them as a company, not me as an agent.

Jan 12, 2015 03:59 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Noah Seidenberg - I was in corporate America in my early years and enjoyed it and learned a lot. However, I was making money for THEM and they were in control of my life with good and bad bosses. Fast forward, when I went into real estate after a decade or two being on my own in various marketing capacities, it never occurred to me to join any brokerage after the 3 years that I needed to get my broker's license here in California. I opened up my own brokerage in 2009 right in the middle of the bad market, but thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and certainly learned a lot out there on my own. It gave me the confidance to now add agents that I can mentor. I can see where others might like the structure of being with a "big box", I just don't fit that bill and agents that join me will feel the same way. I am a firm believer that THE AGENT gets the client, not the brokerage. Why pay 6% or whatever off the top of the gross commission check to the franchise before you and your broker gets paid, and then take a whole bunch of charges off YOUR side for other expenses charged by the brokerage? I know, I know, there are many of you out there who like it that way, otherwise these big brands don't have hundreds of agents working for them. But how many of them are making the big bucks? A very small percentage, I bet. IMHO

Jan 12, 2015 03:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Fred Griffin -- you can look to Active Rain, which I have done several times.  I'm posted and made phone calls.  And the difference in the big box is the split.  

Jan 12, 2015 02:18 AM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

I like Tamir Ness 's response.

I haven't ever worked for a franchise and have only worked for my own brokerage. It's amazing! The money I don't split with the franchise goes into advertising, the training I want, the technology, etc. Brand name doesn't mean much to my Sellers after I meet with them. At the end of the day it's the person/agent/Realtor seeling your house.

Admittedly it's not for everyone though. I won't judge anyone one way or the other.

Jan 12, 2015 01:44 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Noah,

We have on occasion talked some people out of doing that.  One of our clients has a fabulous split with her company...opening a boutique brokerage would have lessened her split substantially.  We did the numbers and it did not pay.  

On the other hand, one of our clients was a savvy business woman with also a fabulous split.  She owned a building that she moved into and started her own firm with people who are self starters and trustworthy.  She is still the #1 agent, and does even better than she did under the company umbrella.  

It is how we are built that makes the difference, we liked owning our own company.  We stood out from the pack, because we were small and could turn on a dime.  A

Jan 12, 2015 12:30 AM
Rainmaker
295,833
Terkel Sørensen
Real Estate Places - Temecula, CA
Realtor, 951.805.0773 , Bank owned and Short Sales

This is an awesome question Noah, and one that I toss around on a regular basis. 

For me, the mis-management of the established company I was with was a huge factor, the fact that technology was a word used, but not implemented did a lot for me. But also, the fact that the "Perks" as you put it, probably were valuable back in 2001... When I left, we had long left the fax machine behind... But we still got free faxing.

I have the utmost respect for the owner I used to work for a long time ago, but my team was not in a place to grow, so we had to leave. 

Money, as it turns out, really wasn't that big a factor, freedom to run my business was. 

Jan 11, 2015 11:50 PM
Rainer
255,316
Geoff ONeill
John L. Scott Medford - Medford, OR

Better know everyone in town.  The Branding is the biggest difference.

Jan 11, 2015 11:11 PM
Rainmaker
680,679
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

I have had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was a kid. I don't like mainstream anything and I like doing things others say can't be done. I own my own brokerage because I want to be different. I want to be in control of all my marketing materials, company logo, name, and everything else that goes along with it. There's the Walmart crowd and there's the crowd that likes to shop local. I'm the locally owned business not the Walmart. I like that and so do my clients. Plus, in twenty years when my brokerage has five offices and 200 agents I'll be able to laugh at anyone who thought I should have worked for one of the "established" brokerages. 

Jan 11, 2015 10:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Noah, those of us that have that deep sense of entrepreneurial spirit it's hard to sit by and watch someone else making all of the decisions. That can be doubly hard when you realize your office doesn't have a clue what it's doing. I worked in two national brands before opening my own brokerage. In the last one, there were 25 agents. Three of us carried the office until it merged with another office. If guess I figured that if I was one of the primary players carrying the rest of the crew, I could carry myself and drop the dead weight. Also, with the advent of the Internet, the playing field has been leveled to a great degree. I draw a large portion of my business from the tech savvy buyers who do their Internet homework before calling an agent. In that respect, it makes it easier to match my big brand brothers and sisters. Last year, I was one of the top producers in our community. No big brand, just be vision executed successfully (and I didn't have to share my commissions).

Jan 12, 2015 07:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,506,096
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I have worked for two of the big name, big box companies.  Deciding to go at it on my own was truly the best decision for me.  I am an indepent minded professional and frankly found that what the big boxes were convincing me that I needed from them, I really didn't.  I love being a small, boutique brokerage.  

Jan 12, 2015 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
341,062
Chris and Berna Sloan
Group 1 Real Estate - Tooele, UT
Tooele UT

I think Margaret nailed it. No perfect answer that fits everyone. I've been in our family owned "boutique" brokerage for my whole 20 year career. My wife has worked with 3 different "franchise" brokers in her first 12 years prior to being with me for the last 10. We built our brand with hard work over that time. The franchises have nothing to offer me that I can't do for myself. In this day and age, everything is available to all of us regardless of who we affiliate with. Franchises fir some, but not otheres. Make the choice that is right for you. 

Jan 12, 2015 01:45 AM
Rainer
55,251
Ranee Bray
TCP Real Estate - Cedar Park, TX
North of Austin Homes

I am not a broker, but I hang my license with a small brokerage office.  We have about 25 agents.  I've been with KW, Remax and a large independent in Arizona.  I like the small office I have here.

I'm not sure I want my own office... herding cats is not my thing. 

But I do like smaller, local, non-franchise brokerages.  Despite all the "name recognition" sales pitches a broker may give you - unless your broker is giving you leads that are more than just an internet query with a fake email address - in the end it's what you  make of it in this business.  

 

Jan 12, 2015 01:24 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

I never want to have to supervise anyone ever.  RE/MAX's slogan is "in business for yourself, not by yourself".  My broker lets me be free to make my own decisions (within the laws and code of ethics) and leaves me alone.  I couldn't run my business for the same amount I pay RE/MAX. 

Jan 11, 2015 11:49 PM
Rainer
28,483
Connie Wildasinn
WGroup Realtors - Long Beach, CA
25+ years at your Service

sometimes I ask myself that? but if you love what you do and I want to see my agents grow and expand their business it is worth it... and then some days are just darn hard as hell... 

Jan 11, 2015 04:29 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Noah Seidenberg I have worked for big names only so far - and have not dared to venture out. However, after reading some of the responses, I guess, it's worth taking risk. Thanks for 'budding' that thought in me.

Jan 12, 2015 12:28 PM
Rainmaker
1,315,804
Dagny Eason
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
Fairfield County CT, CDPE Homes For Sale and Condo

I am an entrepreneur and like to work to bring in business for me, not another big firm who doesn't care about me.    I have always had my own website, my own email, etc, and never used anything but my own things, which I paid for.   There are very few issues involved in owning your own firm - just really nice to brand yourself and sell yourself!  That's who folks hire, not a large firm!  There are also opportunities to raise the bar and hold everything you do to a higher standard.   

Jan 12, 2015 11:23 AM
Rainmaker
386,342
Bruce Brockmeier
Internet Marketing Consultant to REALTORS® - Yorba Linda, CA
Coached By Crouch

Great discussion, Noah!

I think the answer depends a lot on your personality.

You also must consider your goals.  Where you do want to be in ten years?

 

Jan 12, 2015 05:39 AM
Rainmaker
382,160
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

The answer is totally personal. Everyone has a different perception of themselves and how they want to operate. If you go with a franchise, you have the added backing (or perception of backing) from the name. If you go out on your own, be prepared to struggle for a few years and do all your own advertising. Either way, there is no magic formula. Hard work and a little luck are what you need. I have never worked for a franchise, but I am also the type that wants to be different, hence the reason five years ago, I went out on my own and opened Stonehurst Realty.  I work very hard, but my name is getting recognized in my area and I firmly believe it is the actual Agent that makes the difference, not the name!   

Jan 12, 2015 01:40 AM
Rainer
334,783
Linda Metallo DiBenardo
RE/MAX Impact, Lockport, Illinois - Lockport, IL

RE/MAX is recognized world-wide.  They are the company I prefer to be associated with.

Jan 12, 2015 12:06 AM
Rainmaker
940,545
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

Great question.  Many Good answers.  

This I think of course has been asked before, because I know I answered this before.  What is interesting would be if the answer changes...........

For me it comes down to what do you want and money.  I don't want the headache of running 2 businesses.  That is what it would be, because you have to the the agent and then the broker.  If you hire a broker, it is still another job for you outside of being an agent.  But what do you want?  I don't want the headache, additional work, additional exposure to liability.  Yet everyone is different.

Jan 11, 2015 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Those who plan to open their own business are smart to consider franchise opportunities. This is especially true in larger markets.

Jan 11, 2015 11:17 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

The best part about Metro Brokers - it is branded for Denver, yet all brokers can own their own company.   Our office has 30+ companies under the same roof.  It is a unique business plan that works! 

Jan 11, 2015 11:15 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

There are many, many, many, many reasons one may prefer to start a boutique brokerage. Some are niche driven, others business model and even the aspect of personal fulfillment. 

Example #1. Niche. As a boutique brokerage you "MAY" more easily qualify to become a HUD outlet.

Example #2. Business model. You keep all the money. Further you will find it easier to operate regarding the more complex transactions that most title companies will run from

Example #3. The opportunity to elevate those who choose to work with you from sales folks to transaction architect the elite in the industry. 

There are more, but you get the idea. Of course you are fully aware, those who opened their own brokerage, and attempted to compete using the traditional model and failed, will all state, "There's a reason they call them brokers."

Jan 11, 2015 08:36 PM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

I would think the big difference would be the splits as well as ability to hire more people to work for you.  Secondarily, you don't have to pay some fees (but obviously there are others). For some the "perks" may no really be perks e.g. having a desk...vs some prefer working from home.

Jan 11, 2015 04:15 PM
Rainmaker
585,600
Dee Toohey
Innovative Realty Solutions Group - Longwood, FL
Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro

I was with two large brokerages and encounter nothing by lies and bouncing checks.  I went independent in the summer of 2008 and never looked back.

Jan 14, 2015 02:51 AM
Ambassador
1,119,725
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Noah Seidenberg 
Well, you certainly got a marvelous set of responses! I read EVERY comment. The phrase most often repeated is "Haven't Looked Back Since" -- and that's my response as well. My boutique firm, Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty Services , gives me space to do things the right way, not to be told to do something that isn't correct.  My independence allows me to focus on what is best for each Client. I love being on my own!  Sincerely, Lynn

Jan 13, 2015 07:32 AM
Rainmaker
878,659
Kevin Mackessy
Blue Olive Properties, LLC - Highlands Ranch, CO
Dedicated. Qualified. Local.

I split from Keller Williams in 2007 to make my own company.  Haven't looked back since. 

Jan 13, 2015 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Wow what a great turn out, thank you all!

I was in the IT world before Real Estate and a part owner of our own very successful consulting company. I did the exact thing I was talking about here but in another field "Computers" I was a hired gun for rent. I got sick of it and formed a company with 3 partners and really did well financially but became unhappy with the corporate world in the end up and sold my part of the business. I got into Real Estate but with a large company Coldwell Banker. I like it. My Niche is dealing with more people who come from different parts of the country or world and move to Evanston or Chicago's North Shore. Many of the sellers I have had know that they may sell to someone coming in to this area and have told me over and over that they like the idea of the national company I work for.

There is no right or wrong answer here, whatever works for you is the best for your scene. BTW, I have had two people today ask me why I ask some of these questions. Why, it is thought provoking and I enjoy your opinions and feelings, Thank you

Jan 12, 2015 02:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,318,269
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Noah -- I am checking in late -- however, this is a great question and I think you have received some very informative responses to this question.    I would follow up with phone calls to those whose message seems to hit a cord with you.

Jan 12, 2015 01:07 PM
Rainmaker
1,318,269
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

What a great topic.   I think each person has to discover what fits them and their goals best.

Jan 12, 2015 12:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,139,819
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

I myself like working somewhere else and not having the issues management has.

Jan 12, 2015 10:20 AM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

My first 20 years I spent time with the big 3 broker's here in New Orleans. The last 8 years being on my own has been my best move. With only 4 agents and a small office everything is great. I do have some growing pains as more and more agents are calling to join. I'm expanding in 2015. I have manage an office of 40 agents in the past. I don't think I will be that big. To each it own. I personally own rental properties many tell me they could not own/ manage as many as I do. I like to work by myself. My question is how do you know I would not work for you unless you try. 

Jan 12, 2015 07:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,026,994
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

This is a great question and one I have pondered myself. I have thought of opening my own brokerage as I have run my own company before (healthcare - and did so successfully for over 20 years). There are benefits from being in a brokerage that is well known and has a good name associated with it. But at the same time, it is expensive to hang your license at some of the larger firms. There are franchise fees, and of course the company split. I have found it depends on your area. Many luxury home sellers may prefer a "big name" versus an independent, so that could be a factor to consider also. Great question and have bookmarked this post.

Jan 12, 2015 02:37 AM
Rainmaker
294,581
Robin Rogers
Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio, TX
CRS, TRC, MRP - Real Estate Investment Adviser

I just an independent (some say headstrong) person, and always wanted to run my own business. I hated phone duty, sales meetings, and making copies of paperwork. But I admit it was nice to have a broker to run to for help, as Fred mentions!

Jan 12, 2015 01:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Good morning, Noah -- this is a good question and one I've asked myself as well. I'm glad to see the different comments.  I've bookmarked this post so I can come back to see others' thoughts.  

Jan 11, 2015 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
750,057
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

I'm noodling that around now. I will keep an eye on this one.

Jan 11, 2015 11:05 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I love working at an established brokerage. 

Jan 11, 2015 09:45 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have often been asked that question--why don't I just have my own firm. I did the numbers a long time ago and what I pay RE/MAX in annual fees is a fraction of what it would cost me to strike out on my own (separate from the headaches of running my own company).

Jan 11, 2015 08:35 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

After 30 years as the top dog in a small company I am enjoying the activity of a big company like KW.

Oct 07, 2017 10:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,572,727
David Saks
Memphis, TN
Broker / Industry Analyst

So I could tell NAR to shove it, Noah Seidenberg !

Jan 30, 2015 05:09 PM
Rainer
6,516
Jacinth Brown
Brown Associated Brokers - McDonough, GA
There are leaders and then there are followers. There's a roll for everyone. I knew from the start I wanted to manage my own company.
Jan 18, 2015 11:05 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

For now I am happy with the relationship I have with KW - I don't want the responsibility of the extra paperwork since I am miserable at it - and always have been! I figure I would be in realtor jail if I had to do the paperwork to be the broker of record. 

Jan 16, 2015 09:29 PM
Rainer
6,292
Katie Law
Milpitas, CA

Great topic, Noah!

Jan 16, 2015 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
927,795
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I think it is a matter of whether you can create and maintain your own network of clients, Noah.  And, from Chief Cook's experience, she felt that people liked working with her.....not the big corporation.

Jan 15, 2015 03:53 AM
Rainer
388,082
John F Muscarella
RIVER FARM PROPERTIES, LLC - Venice, FL
Broker/Owner, Venice, FL, Florida's Suncoast

Hi Noah, I worked for 5 years at the first Internet-based national firm.  Always an entrepreneur I went out on my own as I saw the firm imploding from a lack of management and focus on agents.  It was the best move in this business and I grow each year.

Jan 14, 2015 06:30 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I found it isn't all about the money but the little things that matter. Some people like to do it their way or don't feel like they get company support. If you have good systems in place and a good split and good management then agents stay content longer. I don't plan on ever going back to owning my own business. But never say never. I don't want the liability of having agents working for me. They are so hard to control.

Jan 14, 2015 08:11 AM
Ambassador
2,061,803
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I have no interest in being the "owner" with all the headaches (financial and otherwise) that come with it.  I love being a sheep.

Jan 12, 2015 01:04 AM