In the past agents were always looking for that Real Estate firm that would provide them with a nice little cubicle, mailbox, some desk time, use of a conference room and of course those high monthly fees. I have always wondered why they were so attractive to new agents.
Since my company Lake And Town Realty began we attracted agents who liked to work from home, have minimal monthly dues, better commission splits and have no interest in the traditional bigger firms. However, training and technology has always been important for new agents.
With the advancement of technology and the Internet many of those needs can be fulfilled without even leaving your home.( Ask Brad for a tour of his new training office for new ActiveRain members. It is very cool! )
Here is a recent article from the Charlotte Observer, written by Kerry Hall Singe, that talks about how bigger firms are now switching over to a new cost effective way of doing Real Estate.
Prudential Carolinas Realty is leaving its SouthPark office on Sharon Road and moving into what it calls a "touch-and-go" space at Piedmont Town Center. Agents will no longer have their own traditional office but will instead share work stations that will sync with their laptops and cell phones.
Tommy Camp, president and CEO of Prudential Carolinas Realty, said research shows that as much as 80 percent of assigned space in a real estate office is unoccupied at any given time.
"Large, elaborate real estate offices are an old tradition that no longer fits the work style of today's mobile real estate agents with their reliance on technology rather than bricks and mortar," Camp said.
The change also lets companies save money on space and focus on new technologies, such as offering video home tours. All that is needed is wireless Internet, a couple of flat screen TVs, a coffee bar.
For the traditionalists, some company's will still offer old-school offices. This is the companies fourth office they have converted to the "Touch and Go" layout.
I believe this is just the beginning of how Brokers/Owners decide to do Real Estate. I would love to hear from anyone from around the country who has seen these transitions.
Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264
Mike, we don't make money sitting at a desk. Even though we do need them. Thanks for sharing.
I love the concept and have adopted a bullpen style 'work space' should agents need a place to work while at the office. For the time being we are allowing agents to occupy their 'own' space with the understanding that as mor and more agents come aboard the space will be relegated back to 'office space'. Office space is defined by me as useable space with surge protected outlets and phone lines etc...to be used temporarily while at the office.
Great idea, but won't work in small towns like mine yet. We still need a visible office building as a part of the business model.
Mike - We sell houses, houses are not inside offices. Your office model is exactly what new agents want. It is very similar to how my brokerage operates and we have 75 agents in my branch office, people like it. Much Success to You All.
Lisa - you are so right!
Mike - thanks for the repsonse. We are now looking into some space that might be cost effective and attract new agents. I think this is were Real Estate is heading and I want to get a head start. There are still the big firms around my area but more and more of those agents are looking around. Especially in todays market. 75 agents that is awesome!
Bob - I totally understand.