If you’ve lived in the Fort Lauderdale area long enough, you’ve probably seen a RE/MAX Partners office or yard sign and it is likely you have even met one of their agents. RE/MAX has become a household name in Real Estate since the company was founded in 1973 in Denver, Colorado. The local RE/MAX Partners franchise is home to 160 local Real Estate agents – at least for a couple more days. According to the Sun Sentinel on Thursday, the franchise owners announced that it will cease operations after nearly two decades in business (read article). We have already spoken with several RE/MAX agents about joining our team at By The Sea Realty and we hope that those who specialize in waterfront property and the local beach markets will consider our innovative company.
First of all, I have a great deal of respect for the RE/MAX organization and generally speaking their agents are professional and accomplished. And, I feel for the agents who have worked so hard to build their real estate businesses and are now forced to find a new home during a tough time in the real estate market. But sometimes things happen for a reason and maybe the timing isn’t so bad after all. Early in my own career I worked for two different companies that were both acquired by Coldwell Banker. Both times I chose to move on before finally starting my own real estate company in 1997. Nothing against Coldwell Banker, I gave it a chance, but I’m just not the national franchise type. So, I empathise with the situation that our friends at RE/MAX Partners are in, but if I can give you some advice – take advantage of this opportunity, take your time and make the right decision for your future.
Real estate agents are by default an independent and entrepreneurial group. They have literally thousands of choices when looking for employment, and the diversity of companies and the services they offer is staggering. Its no wonder so many agents are not successful when you consider how confusing all the business opportunities are. In addition to choosing the wrong company, the second biggest mistake an agent can make is never finding a niche. The real estate market is vast and just like there are many employment opportunities, there are thousands of specialties that agents may choose to focus on – a specific neighborhood, working with buyers, foreclosures, commercial, rentals, etc. The list goes on and on. For example, here at By The Sea Realty we are all passionate about the ocean, and our location is perfect for attracting boaters, beach bums and buyers of second homes “By The Sea”.
Of course, finding your niche is one thing, developing a business around it is another. That’s why we support our agents with the best software and systems available. Our local Market Watch report provides real data on our waterfront communities and our customized CRM and IDX solutions are the best in the industry. For agents who use their own personal web sites to provide information to their clients and prospect for new business, we offer over 15 years experience in web site development and marketing. We may not be as big as RE/MAX or Coldwell Banker, but we’ll go head to head with their systems and support any day.
If you’re an agent looking for your niche, or if you’re a buyer or seller in one of our waterfront communites, stop in our office and find out why local niche real estate companies like us aren’t going anywhere. We have only just begun!
Learn more about becoming an agent “By The Sea”
Tags: Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Jobs, RE/MAX, RE/MAX Partners
