Today I ran into a good friend of mine. She has been in real estate for about 5 years and spec
ializes in the Arizona west valley retirement communities. I had not seen her for a couple of months and noticed she was wearing a new nametag. She changed companies! Why? She was very happy with her office, fellow agents and with the company. She was one of the top producing agents. She was a successful agent who had built an extraordinary clientele. I've done several transactions with her - an excellent agent to work with! She knows the Arizona real estate purchase contract and she knows how to write a contract well.
It was a business move, she said. What is the difference between her old company and her new company? The agents in her new company are helpful. Her new company has excellent technology capabilities. Most of all, a better commission split.
She told her manager, and sobbed. He sobbed and wanted to know what it would take to have her stay. She did not leave in the middle of the night without notifying anyone. She was upright and truthful with her manager, and her colleagues. She told all of her clients. Most responded, "You are my realtor for life, just bring me your new business cards". Her mind was made up. She would be second guessing herself had she not made the move.
The bottom line is she feels that she can serve her clients better. You must make difficult choices in life. After all, it's all business!
Leolinda Bowers
Sun City Grand ~ I live here, I work here, I know this community!
Good evening Leolinda - You are right she did it gracefully, I have seen agents just change companies and never tell their former broker.
The bottom line is the client's needs and what they deserve. Years ago I switched companies so my clients would have access to more tools and advertising to benefit them. I'm sure glad I did!
Marilyn, I am glad that you decision to move was due to your clients wants and needs. I know that you have been successful and I wish you continued success.
Pam, You are absolutely correct. Changing brokers is like moving. You should notify everyone your intent to move.
Hi Loelinda...great post, you're corect it's all about choices, sounds like your fellow realtor had a good plan, and included saying good bye as part of it. Never Burn Bridges.
Cheers, have a great day!
Fred, You got it! I think when changing any business arrangement we should always endeavor to "Never Burn Bridges".
Leolinda, as a new agent, I thought it very odd that someone was leaving the office in the middle of the night without having going away drinks with the old colleagues. And I like your colleague's approach. My last move was so hard. I adored my old broker, and the new place (where I am now) is totally amazing and the best business decision I ever made.
Very classy--and the only way to go, I think. Leaving in the middle of the night shows you have no guts to face the manager or other agents. It's purely a business move (or should be).
Erica, I totally agree! This is one classy agent that will always be welcomed.
Patricia, I have heard people leaving their place of employment without notifying anyone. This is tterrible because you owe it to yourself and your colleagues to at least have an exit interview.
I am a firm believer of treating people right, no matter what. I once worked for a broker, and I was going to leave to start my own business. All the agents there told me not to give my broker notice, that she would tell me to clean out my desk and leave right then and there. I told them NO WAY would I do that. I would give her 2 weeks notice, and tell her I would be of whatever help I could in making the transition easy on everyone. Well, not only did she like being given the notice, but she let me take my listings with me (Never even intended on getting them.) So, no matter what you hear, always treat people with courtesy and respect, and then most times, they will respond in kind
Gerald: You have grace and are one class act!
You don't know how timely this post was for me! I just wrote about the decision to either stay or leave the company I'm with. It is a difficult one for me, but unlike most, I really have about six months to do it as my desk fee is paid off through November.
But, like she said it is a business decision and it is harder than I was thinking it was going to be.
Todd, we all have to make tough choices. I wish you the best with yours.