What do you expect from your Broker?

Many practitioners within the real estate industry, Brokers and Sales Associates, are asking the question today, "What is it I want from my Broker?" Ten years ago the answer would have certainly revolved around office facilities, equipment, training, and advertising. Today, I suspect the answer is a bit different. Give the advances in tele-communication many more agents are working remotely from the traditional office at fully equipped home offices, their automobiles, and wi-fi equipped cafes and coffeehouses. Personal state-of-the-art and often mobile office equipment has replaced the dependence on the Broker's provision of these appliances. Broker firm websites have been augmented with the proliferation of agent websites designed for lead generation, data and information repositories. Is there a real estate website left that does not provide for property search? Training is ubiquitous with the ever expanding Internet. Recent experience convinces me that more agents should take advantage of this abundance.

What does a Broker bring to the table today?

Brand. Public recognition and consumer top of mind awareness accumulated from years of successful and ethical business practice. Clients may forget the name of their agent, but should remember the firm's brand long after the transaction is closed.
Foresight. Although the future is difficult to gauge, the best firms are constantly on the lookout for the next "killer app" to incorporate into their toolbox. Where is Social Media heading? What type of technology is going to climb to dominance in the years to come? How do we position and develop the tools necessary for our firm and sales associates to take advantage of future trending?
Support. Who's got your back? The great brokerages are rock steady with business policies and procedures to insure both theirs' and their sales associate's business interests. Companies built to last have developed the systems to insure high productivity as well as high compensation.

Is your Broker providing you with a well recognized and respected Brand. Does your Broker have a vision for the future and planning accordingly? Who's got your back? Is your Broker practicing "agent centric" business? If not, you owe it yourself learn more about Allen Tate, Realtors, a great real estate brokerage!