And I want YOU !
That's right, I am the new MANAGER of the Olney, MD Office of Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.. Guess what? I want to sit down and talk with any agent that is looking to make a positive change in their career. My door is open and I would welcome the opportunity to share my vision and passion for your future.
Some may ask...Are you crazy?
If believing in the talent and abilities of agents in my office is crazy......yep, guilty. If believing that this market may be different than any other market but is a great time to be a real estate agent.....yep, I am guilty on that count. If believing that given the proper support and tools, any agent can succeed (even in this market)..........well yes, I am guilty.
I am not crazy.............I believe in YOU
Now, I understand, some of you are working for companies that offer 85% or 95% splits. I understand that you pay a desk fee and that allows you to keep what you perceive to be a large portion of commissions earned. I also know that the Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. business model does very well when compared to those firms.
For example......let's say you work for a hypothetical firm named ReMacs. (no relation to Jmac).
Let's say that over the course of this year you close enough business to gross $100,000. Now over there at ReMacs, you get to keep 95% or $95,000. Now that is not a bad year for anyone. If you were working at Long & Foster and had a 75% split, you would only garner $75,000. O.K., just work with me here, I know lots of agents that would be thrilled with either outcome. I only use the $100,000 because the math is easy.
At ReMacs, you have that little item called a desk fee. You pay it every month or maybe you work under a creative plan which allows you to just set it aside until you make a sale. Pay'em now or pay'em later, you have to pay them at some point. In many plans, you have to pay anywhere from $150 to $200 per month. (You've heard this one on those late night commercials).......but wait...........there's more.
I forgot to mention that the reason you are at 95% is because of the 5% money designated for ReMacs International. (I understand, it is worth that 5% to keep those referrals from all over the world rolling in)
Sooooooooooooooooooooo, it seems that $95,000 has shrunk to about anywhere from $77,000 to $71,000. YIKES !!!!!! Oh, I forgot to mention...that phone on your desk...well you have to pay little something something for that and that person up front playing solitaire while waiting for the phones to ring...they are on your dime........and um, we have little incidental cost for supplies, etc.
It depends on the office and the broker and the franchiser. Prices are subject to change based on profit and loss statements. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
I know that these setups are nice for some and not suited for others. In this day and age when franchises are folding and lots of folks are facing a declining market and shutting down, I would want to see that my independent broker has sufficient cash reserves to cover the cost of doing business before I kept hanging my hat on their hat rack. One of the perks of being an independent contractor is that you are free to protect yourself and make decisions based on your personal bottom line.
Now, back to my corner of the world. You earned your $75,000. I don't care how it came in. I don't care if you only deal is on New Years Eve. I will keep the doors open. I will make sure someone is answering the phones. I will make sure you have a phone. I will make sure you have access to the internet. I will provide you with as many black and white copies as you need. I will give you a free website. I will give you a free blog site. I will give you access to a free social networking site. I will give you a free contact management system. I will answer the phone when you call. I will make sure that you have access to title attorneys that will answer your questions. I will gladly pick up the phone and defend you to the hilt if another broker/agent is trying to steamroll you in a deal. If the agent does not make money.........nobody makes any money. Did I mention that Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. is one of the top ranked private firms in America. We don't close and lock doors, we merge offices to be in a better position to react to this market. I am very proud and humbled that I have been chosen to manage their Olney office.
I will work for you and with you to put you in a place where you can realize your dreams.
It is 2009. Rumors of a terrible market are greatly overstated. People still need to buy and sell homes. If you are struggling....maybe it is time for a change. If you just can't keep paying those desk fees hoping that something will happen............maybe it is time for a change. I you want to work with a manager that understands this industry works from the agent up and not management down..................
Give me a call. 301-537-4377
My name is John MacArthur ( somefolks know me as JMac)
Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
3402 Olandwood Court
Olney, MD 20832
Don't doubt your ability......Believe......Yes, You Can!
