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Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

We've been with 3 different brokerages in our 7 year careers.  

Brokerage 1:  Small company.  It worked for us starting out.  

Brokerage 2:  #2 Century 21 office in the entire country.  They recruited us big time, and they delivered.  

Brokerage 3:  The next up and coming downtown and uptown office in Fort Wayne.  They recruited us HARD for a few years, and once they franchised with F.C. Tucker, we knew it was a good fit for years and years to come.  

Opportunity is our incentive.  We weren't really looking to move either time, but these companies came after us and we saw value in what each of them brought to the table.  

Oct 29, 2015 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
175,614
Spirit Messingham
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

Cost and hassle.  I have been at the same brokerage my entite RE career, which is 9 years now.  I have been recruited by many other brokerages in town.  I listen, but what can they do that is better?  So far, they all cost a lot more.  The ones that promise me more buiness?  Well, I can barely handle what I have now, so that does nothing for me.  For me, all about cost and next, hassle.  The brokerage I work for now, my mentor is always available to answer questions for me.  If not, I never hear from them.  They leave me alone, allowing me to focus on working with clients and enjoying my success.  To each their own.  For a new agent, I would look for mentorship to learn the business (THE RIGHT WAY) and maybe leads.

Oct 29, 2015 06:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I think the managing broker can make or break a good office environment.

Oct 29, 2015 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Sally & David, 

If I told you I'm afraid I'd be over run with calls from recruiters.  I got one this week from a Broker who lied to me on a previous transaction (that we didn't close). He even remembered the incident and had a new story (which was another lie).  

I advise people to be very cautious when considering a move, even to our office.  Most of an agents issues are within them and not where they work. 

Oct 29, 2015 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I left to work for myself. I'm a task master though

Oct 29, 2015 09:38 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

I changed the last time because I felt the atmosphere in that brokerage was toxic to my health and welfare.

Oct 29, 2015 04:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Priority-commission split

political cloud-you are not their golden boy not getting leads

Better opportunities.

Oct 29, 2015 01:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,772
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

We left our last because it was all about "Corporate" and not the Reatlor. We wanted to be able to make our own decisions...

Oct 29, 2015 01:20 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

to make more money is the usual answer. but to have better working conditions is the real answer. If i paid you 110% of the commission, and it was miserable to go to work, you would likely change. if i paid you 70% and work was a joy (there fore not work) you might stay..

Oct 29, 2015 12:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

The last broker reneged on his word about our next years expense agreement. He also said well, you didn't have it writing did you? If they lie, I go.

Oct 29, 2015 09:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I have only done it once and it was because of office politics and a new managing broker who really played favorites...

Oct 29, 2015 09:30 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Sally and David,

Interesting question, we get asked that by those who are recruiting agents.  I think that wording conditions matter!  One of the 100% models we have worked with provides their agents with professional photography as well as CMA's and signs that show their names big and their phone numbers. as well as good looking web page.  I think that has a great appeal.  A

Oct 29, 2015 02:58 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,164
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

A better environment along with an opportunity to increase production.

Oct 29, 2015 02:03 AM
Rainmaker
424,200
Julie A. Black
KAUAI DREAMS REALTY Kauai Real Property Specialist - Kapaa, HI
CLHMS, CRS, GRI, Realtor, Broker

I changed offices once because my broker/owner was a jerk.

The 2nd move was because I opened my own brokerage. I was doing all the work anyway.

Oct 30, 2015 10:01 AM
Ambassador
3,854,909
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

I was with only one broker for 18 years. I watched agents move multiple times but found they took themselves to each change.  I love where I am now being a solo broker/owner.

Oct 30, 2015 12:50 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I have switched a couple of times-  because of office politics, unjustified lowered splits, a lack of attention by the brokerage to new technology and growth opportunities (my broker was stuck in the 60s), to follow my broker to a new company, and then because that company exploded and closed.  All these moves taught me - Always have your own email and always make your phone number first on your marketing materials so your clients always can find you. 

Oct 29, 2015 08:33 PM
Rainmaker
786,080
Claude Labbe
RLAH / @properties - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

It has to be a perfect fit for your thinking & comfort level; professionally & socially.  While comfort is good, it's also got a be a place that pushes you to do more.

Moving is not easy, and I am amazed at those who flip every 12-18 months or so.

Oct 29, 2015 01:52 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

If my broker sold the company  and we were no longer a good fit.  Right now I have it really good.   I have seen many agents  "broker surf" and they are rarely if ever any better off.  

Oct 29, 2015 12:52 PM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

Money and flexibility with my time.

Oct 29, 2015 12:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

If I were a new agent and my Brokerage pushed me out the door and then didn't give and training or support, I would be looking for another brokerage.  If they are getting half of my money, then I should get some help growing along the way.

Oct 29, 2015 12:28 PM
Rainmaker
183,505
James (Jim) Lawson, DBA
DomainRealty.com LLC - Bonita Springs, FL
Broker Associate, RSPS, BPOR, HI & PE

If a newbie, brokerages with much better training programs and more high quality leads would get my attention. As an experienced agent with a good referral practice, much better splits are worth a serious look.  

Oct 29, 2015 12:06 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

It would take a lot! I love the culture where I am and everything else..been there since 1995 and don't plan on changing!

Oct 29, 2015 11:44 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Right now, I have no incentive.

In the past, I've changed brokerages when the brokerage changed hands and the new owners' business models didn't work for me.  And it's not something that should be done lightly.

Oct 29, 2015 11:38 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Not a good fit with my beliefs and values.  That is why I left a brokerage and went on my own.

Oct 29, 2015 09:16 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Money is a consideration but so is the environment and the association with quality, reputable agents including the broker's reputation. If the broker isn't respected then it doesn't matter the split; I have to have trust and work for someone with integrity.

Oct 29, 2015 08:29 AM
Rainmaker
179,169
Kim Johnson
Signature Realty Inc. - Coral Springs, FL
Selling South Florida

Support would be nice. A broker that answers a question in less than 24 hours would be very nice.

Oct 29, 2015 07:36 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

If mine closed the doors. That was the cause of my last move and it wasn't fun.  Nineteen years in one spot.  Hope to be there much longer.

Oct 29, 2015 06:48 AM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

I have moved once in my career from a small boutique broker to the one that I am with now. That will be my one and only move, as I am very satisfied where I am at.

We are privately held, the largest in the state, and we do a great mix of old school, and new 21st century marketing, and I like that. 

I really operate as my own brand anyway, and their logo just reinforces my methods, processes, and marketing. Win-win! 

Oct 29, 2015 06:17 AM
Rainmaker
32,051
Amelia Robinette
NoVa House and Home - Frankly Realty - Falls Church, VA
Education, Innovation, Service

It would take a lot. I have significant investment in this brokerage with branding, marketing and systems. 

The only thing that would make me leave at this point is if I was offered an equity partnership.

Oct 29, 2015 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Mine would be to get away from the corporate idealogy and the split.

At this stage of the game a warmer climate.

Oct 29, 2015 04:21 AM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

Commission split, culture and training would be my 3 in that order.

Oct 29, 2015 03:24 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Lack of faith in my current broker or an atmosphere in which coming to the office is a dread.  Financial incentives don't get it for me.  Moving costs too much and is too aggravating.

Oct 29, 2015 02:24 AM
Rainer
206,525
Elisa Bruno-Midili, NYS Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Cafe Realty - Mount Kisco, NY
Cafe Realty 914.230.0650

The 28 years I have in the industry has proven to be a journey to co-found Cafe Realty with 2 partners. After working for  corporate, franchise,  and independent brokergaes I found that the experience gained from where you have been leads you to what's next. I was about aboit collaboration and the ability to respond and adapt quickly to the market and clients' needs. Belief in the company you keep, the brand, the mission and your ability to translate all that into revenue! Quite a balancing act however the right brokerage is a very subjective decision. It's all in the journey and when it leads you to loving what you do...change to where you feel your belief lies.

Nov 13, 2015 09:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,731,203
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

The only way I would change is if I was totally unhappy ....I work in a great office now that I would never leave! Great question!

Nov 02, 2015 08:21 AM
Rainmaker
466,778
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Sally K. & David L. Hanson,

I did not want to become a hopper, I started with one company and five years later I started my own. The biggest incentive is that I am in charge, I work 110% and get 100%.


 

 

 

Nov 01, 2015 08:49 PM
Rainer
149,000
Jim Joeriman
Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty, Inc - Lacey Township, NJ
Helping Agents Reach New Heights

Interesting comments and I always enjoy reading the answers to these types of questions.  Good to see what people value.

Oct 31, 2015 09:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I've got two words:  Commission split.

Now I'll scroll down to read the other comments 

Oct 30, 2015 12:19 PM
Rainmaker
982,239
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

If I did not own my own brokerage, my main priority would be a managing broker that is fair, honest and ethical.

Oct 30, 2015 05:44 AM
Rainer
428,933
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

I made the switch to a larger company for the training.  Training is priceless.

Oct 30, 2015 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Most people I know switch brokers for two reasons: either they got into a fight with their present broker over some piddily-ass thing or they were offered more money, neither of which would motivate me. When you're at the top, they're all pretty much the same, and most agreements they offer you contain time limitations, especially if they are too good to be true.

Oct 30, 2015 04:29 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Lack of support, which could be manifested in many different ways, is one reason. Modus operandi is another - smaller, independent, more hands-off or larger corporate with meatings, canned CMA's and so on; office politics.

Oct 30, 2015 04:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Sally K. & David L. Hanson after being in business for long enough, unless someone has to offer lot more in terms of education, motivation and service, it is unlikely for me to go for 'unknown devil'!

Oct 30, 2015 02:50 AM
Rainmaker
440,656
Shirley Coomer
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living - Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az

To change Brokerages  I would have to feel  I would get more "value" from another company .  Value can be in terms of culture or money in your pocket.  Sometimes one changes because of disagreement with a broker.  There is a cost to change Brokerages in terms of signs, business cards, websites, etc.   At the end of the day I would not practice my business any differently, but it is important to surround yourself with people you want to be in business with.  Masterminding and training are key in a good Brokerage.  If your current Brokerage does not provide quality, useful and meaningful training, you may want look around. Are the agents in the office willing to share information and mastermind?  If not you may want to change.  An agent's  business doesn't sky rocket by changing brokerages.  If the agent isn't doing daily lead generation and following up with clients, it doesn't matter where they hang their license.

Oct 30, 2015 12:22 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!

Nothing at this point as I run my own tiny brokerage.

However, it would have to be a combination of professionalism and watching out for each other. There would be no interest for me to join a brokerage of 100 other Realtors so I would want it to be small as well.

Oct 29, 2015 10:29 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I'e changed a few times, including going from RE/MAX to Keller Williams and then back to RE/MAX. I learned I'm pretty much the quintessential RE/MAX agent, so can't think of a reason to change at this stage in my career. But I suppose if management changes occured that I didn't care for, I would look for a new home.

Oct 29, 2015 08:38 PM
Rainer
432,872
Virtual Realty Consultants
Virtual Realty Consultants LLC - Wellesley, MA
Making the American Dream a Reality

I'd think the benefit of having a broker who is both respected in the community and in the REALTOR circle, and whose integrity and knowledge is unsurpassed is worth far more than a few extra dollars in my pocket from the occasional deal. Because the truth is, without this type of broker, I'm going to be chasing my tail with  more unethical agents and commission battles than without him.

Oct 29, 2015 01:42 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Probably location of office, quality of office, parking availabilty for agents and visitors, manager, other agents in office would also be a factor.

Oct 29, 2015 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Clear track to a significant increase in my sales volume, but still great company culture and integrity.

Oct 29, 2015 05:32 AM