In the world of real estate firms, it can be difficult to decide if you should hang your license in a large franchise office, or a smaller boutique firm. Each of these has its own advantages that you should consider before deciding to set up shop.
A lot of agents gravitate toward the larger franchise offices. Large offices can sometimes feel impersonal, but they definitely have a lot of positives that real estate agents can benefit from.
So whether you’re new to real estate and are debating where to begin, or you’re a seasoned agent who might be looking for a change to boost your business, it’s worth it to look at the advantages of working in a large franchise real estate office before you make any decisions.
Name-Brand Recognition
The biggest, most obvious advantage here is that the company is already highly recognizable. That name-brand recognition could mean more business for some, as it can give you more credibility with potential clients.
Customers are more likely to walk into an office looking to speak with a real estate agent because they recognize the brand and are more comfortable than they would be with an unknown name.
Use of Multiple Locations
Large franchises have multiple offices, which can come in handy if you work in a variety of areas, or have clients coming in from another place. Most franchises will let you use any office, not just your own, which adds convenience for yourself and your clients.
It also means that if you ever wanted or needed to relocate, the transition would be much easier, as you wouldn’t have to leave your firm.
Thorough Training
This is especially important for newer real estate agents! Large companies will have more training programs and other forms of support in place for new agents, or even seasoned agents who are looking to brush up.
Thorough training is invaluable, especially if you are new to the market and aren’t quite sure what to do with all the knowledge that you gained in pre-licensing. Without the extra training, it is possible to feel lost when trying to navigate your new career.
Technology and Resources
Larger companies are more likely to have more up-to-date technology and marketing resources available, plus they are more likely to have tech support in place. Franchise firms have the numbers on their side and have a lot more leverage when it comes to negotiating discounts on software.
You’re more likely to get set up with free or discounted access to CRMs, transaction management software, website building, or digital signing software. This can cut down on your out-of-pocket costs.
Another big plus is the likelihood that they will have their own tech support team to help you. In the long run, this can save you a lot of your time, and time is money! Instead of having to figure it out on your own, googling solutions, and asking coworkers for help, tech support can handle the issues for you, leaving you more time to focus on selling real estate.
Marketing Solutions
A franchise that already has an established brand is going to have its own marketing materials for you to make use of, and they will continuously update them. A lot of times, they will have free solutions such as customizable drip campaigns, direct mail flyer templates, brochures, or online advertising templates already set up for you.
All you have to do is drop your information and your photograph into them, and you’re done!
In the long run, this can save you a lot of time and money, because you’re not going to be busy hiring a graphic designer to create all of these materials for you several times a year.
It can also help your marketing materials to be more effective because the recipients already recognize the brand and will see you as more credible.
