Having just opened an independent “boutique” brokerage, I set off to find some on-line resources specific to small brokerages. Ideally I was looking for a place where small/independent brokers could interact with each other — sharing tips, asking questions, and getting answers.
My search was relatively fruitless. There are forums out there for real estate agents (Bigger Pockets has an active agent forum). AgentsOnline has a brokers section in their forum, but it isn’t specifically for small and independent brokerages.
I’ve got nothing against large franchise operations. Up until last week, I was a Century 21 agent for my entire real estate career. But the franchises have a built-in support network of other franchise owners, not to mention corporate support. No such animal exists for the small independent broker.
So I set up a forum at SmallBrokers.com. Originally I intended to “seed” the forum with questions/content, but alas, things have been hectic.
So I’m throwing it out there for public consumption. Who knows if it’ll gain any traction. There does appear to be a need, but it remains to be seen if that need can be met via this medium.
If you are running an independent brokerage, stop on by. If you’re interested in running a small brokerage, stop on by. Heck, if you’ve always just wanted to post something on a virtually empty forum, take a look!
Rules are minimal. Register and you can post. You don’t have to be an independent broker to register and contribute. In fact, I think it would be wonderful to have the contributions of agents at small brokerages. (You’ve even got your own area.) Are you a franchise broker? That’s fine too — you’ve got something to contribute to the collective. Just keep in mind the focus will be on independents.
All I ask is for folks to keep it roughly on topic (head to the Chit-Chat Lounge and that rule flies out the window…) Moderation will be very light. I’ll host it, keep the spammers out and add forums and topics as requested. Other than that, it belongs to the members.
I make no promises. It may wither away into oblivion, or it could grow into a valuable resource. Only time will tell. Please spread the word if you have any interest.
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Technorati Tags: SmallBrokers.com, real estate forum, Internet experiment #327
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Eric Blackwell 03.07.08 at 4:06 pm
Jay-
I think this is a fantastic idea and would love to contribute. (Yeah…I work for a franchise), but managing a brokerage is managing a brokerage to a large extent and the basic services needed to run the place are the same.
Our office doesn’t rely on the corporate mothership REMAX to float our boat. We have been making our own way since before it was cool.
If you can use some support, I am definately willing to provide it.
Best
Eric
John Lockwood 03.07.08 at 4:15 pm
I think I may have been your first visitor there. Do I get a cruller or something?
So many web sites. So little time.
The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 03.07.08 at 4:59 pm
Eric - Absolutely you are more than welcome! You’re right, managing a brokerage is managing a brokerage. Love to have your insight.
John - not the first visitor (within the first 10), but definitely the first to register! I’ll admit it, I had to look up cruller. Didn’t know the term, but have eaten them. Anything deep fried is way up my list. You get all the honor and accolades of being member #1. That’s worth more than a fancy donut, isn’t it?
John Lockwood 03.07.08 at 5:33 pm
OK, if you insist, I’ll take the honors and accolades, and then later on when the glitter has faded, well, you know me, I’ll just go get a cruller anyway.
Daytona Beach Real Estate 03.07.08 at 6:08 pm
Jay,
This is a great idea. I signed up right away, voted and made a post. I love the independence of the small brokerage, but it’s tough when the market is like it is in Daytona Beach.
I’ll admit that on the bad days I’ve thought of pitching it and going to work for one of the large brokerages, but so far I’ve kept coming back.
Good luck with the forum. I’m interested in seeing how we can make it evolve.
Regards,
Lynn
Vicki Lloyd 03.07.08 at 8:55 pm
OK - Count me in. I just joined your forum. I’m not the broker for the company, but was the 2nd agent to join up with my very good friend, “The Broker”.
We are now up to 20 agents in our virtual office! Everyone works from home, and meets clients either at their home, or the closest Starbucks.
Almost all the agents are alumni of Keller Williams, where they teach you that you should build your own brand, not the company’s. So we are each building our own brands, paying our own marketing costs, and keeping more of our commissions - and no “desk fees”!
Jayson 03.09.08 at 3:52 pm
Jay - wish I could help you out by being a broker but … I’ll participate in anyway I can and I wish you the best of luck.
Seems like a good idea.
Austin Real Estate Blog 03.09.08 at 11:06 pm
This is pretty cool. I just went over and signed up. I could not figure out how to start a new thread though. I am sure its something obvious. I tried mousing over various things and nothing came up.
Jon theTemple Apartments Guy 05.05.08 at 11:42 am
This looks like a great resource. I’m going to give it a shot and dig around a little.
Thanks for setting this up, that must have been a big effort on your part.