Posts

Does Outbound Calling Work in Real Estate?

Real estate agents often ask, “does outbound calling work,” or, “does cold calling work?” The answer is at the end of this post, but first it’s important you know why. Real estate agency is competitive and has a long ramp-up period. New agents are super motivated and are eager to be proactive in order to drum up business. This means holding open houses for other agents, sending direct mail, and even picking up that ice cold sales phone to dial for dollars.  While outbound calling is  better use of time than additional training for agents, it’s not a good use of time.

Several years ago and before, let’s just say 2007 and earlier, outbound calling was still a fairly effective way of generating business. However, a lot has changed since then. The internet has become a huge factor in consumer thinking. If a consumer is considering a service or even using a particular agent they will go online and do some investigatory tail sniffing to see if they check out as a professional. This has created a major shift in how professionals and consumers meet. We’ve moved from sales-system oriented marketing to relationship-based sales. Social media and internet presence meet consumer research. Connections are made and quality informative content is delivered to consumers which often results in a sale. This is unequivocally a higher quality way for consumers and professionals to choose to work together. Consequently, it makes outbound calling look more desperate and less credible. The relationship model has has been naturally selected over outbound calling as the winning marketing strategy.

It’s not enough to just say that outbound calling is less credible as the reason why it’s not as good. It’s also important to mention that because it is an outdated method facing extinction, the conversion rate is worse now too. This makes it harder for the remaining die-hards still out there in the boiler room trenches. Will these outbound callers drum up any business through cold calls? Some might, but at painfully thin conversion rates which beg a bigger question – is cold calling a reasonable and sustainable longer term business model? The answer is simply NO.

/by

What is 100% commission real estate?

100% commision real estate is a name for a low cost real estate brokerage model for agents. Instead of the traditional percentage fee of a real estate agent’s commission paid to the broker, also known as a commission split, a nominal flat fee or annual fee is paid instead.

As an example, an agent earns a $9,000 commission. In a traditional commission split the agent might pay 30%  to the brokerage ($2,700), but in a 100% commission model they would pay a flat fee, such as $600.

To put it a very simple way, a 100% commission real estate brokerage charges agents less of the commission they earn. Agents typically pay a flat fee, sometimes a monthly fee in addition, or sometimes a simple pre-paid annual fee, instead of a broker split.

The 100% commission model has become very popular in the last 10 years, but the concept is actually decades old.

So why has 100% commission real estate become such a mainstream brokerage model?

The answer is technology. Paperwork is done through services like Docusign or, at the very least, scanned and sent through email. In the past, listings weren’t accessible online, whereas now MLS data is accessible from a multitude of websites. Given that all the tools for agents and their clients need are online and can be accessed remotely, there is less of a reason to have an office to go for client meetings. More agents work from home offices and don’t need to contribute a large percentage of commission for office-related overhead that they don’t use.

Find out more about Balboa Real Estate’s 100% Commission Model HERE

 

 

/by

What To Look For in a 100% Commission Brokerage

For years, many real estate agents have left the traditional office model of paying 20%-50% of their commission to the brokerage. These agent go to brokerages that charge agents a flat fee instead instead of a percentage of the commission. This flat fee commission arrangement between brokers and agents is what is referred to as a “100% commission brokerage.”

Once a real estate agent decides that the 100% commission brokerage model is right for them, they have several options to consider when choosing the right brokerage.

Does the agent want to pay monthly fees? Many 100% commission real estate offices charge a monthly fee, but some don’t.

Is errors and ommissions insurance included in the flat fee or is is paid separately? Find out if the E&O fee is included in the flat fee or paid separately, If it is paid separately find our how much and how often.

Is there a workspace or conference room to use?

Is there any sort of application or initial fee to start with a 100% commission real estate brokerage?

Can you buy or sell your own home as a real estate agent with a 100% commission real estate brokerage?  Some brokerages have rules against this and require agents to use another agent within the brokerage to represent them on their own home sale.

Is there broker support, and how often is the broker available?

These are the basic questions that should be asked by any prospective agent looking for a 100% commission real estate brokerage.

Balboa Real Estate does not charge monthly fees. Errors and ommissions is included in the low flat fee.

To find our more about our 100% commission brokerage, please CLICK HERE

 

 

 

/by

Taking Initiative in Real Estate Agency

Often, we have ideas about how to grow our real estate agency business. Some are good and some aren’t, but many ideas never get a chance. This is because we think about something to do, or maybe a way to do something better, but never do it. Just think about it for a second, have you thought of something that you should do, or something that can be done better, a more “right” way, but just never do it?

Everyone has, they just don’t always admit it.

Now think of why you do it? What is the reason that you know you should be doing something, the right thing, but are not?

Wait! Save that answer for a therapy session. To be successful in real estate agency you don’t need to know why, you just need to do something when you realize there is a better way to do it.

Wasn’t it Confuscious, or maybe Phil Knight, that said “just do it.”

Don’t get “analysis paralysis,” if you know there is something that you should be doing, or perhaps a better way to do it, then take control in one easy step: make it so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

/by

Advice For Part-Time Real Estate Agents Looking For 100% Commission

Maybe you are looking to ramp up your real estate business, whether you’re just starting out or have been in the business for a while. Some of you may be deciding whether to focus on residential or commercial real estate. Of course you’re considering which real estate brokerage to join.

Have you asked yourself whether to work full time or part time as real estate agent? If you are considering working as a part-time agent it might be probably because you don’t want to quit your full time job yet for whatever reason. You can work as a part time real estate agent but it will be difficult to achieve the success in this industry without the help of a team. Working by yourself will be very difficult to effectively represent your client who are asking professional advice in buying or selling real estate properties.  For new agents, joining a real estate team has good benefits. Joining the right team that doesn’t charge agents some high split can save part time real agents a lot of money.

One of the benefits of a brokerage for a part-time agents is to have a reputable team behind them. With reliable associates and a company supporting you, clients will feel more secure with you and as an agent becaus ethey are getting all the company resources.

Another advantage of joining a real estate team where you can work part time is the ability to have your manager meet your client on your behalf. There are situations you cannot avoid like when you need to bring more expertise to the meeting or need a team member to help you market a property. This is when having a team to help a part-time real estate agent is beneficial.

So, if you are a licensed real estate agents in California or Florida looking for a real estate company to join, Balboa Real Estate gives full service real estate brokerage with professional affiliates all over the state. Whether you want to specialize in residential, commercial, or land transactions. Remember that part-time real estate agents are eligible for our 100% commission plan.

Contact us to see if Balboa Real Estate is a fit for your business.

/by

Balboa Real Estate: Your Real Estate Future Starts with Us

When you got licensed as a real estate agent, it was extremely important to decide which broker is best to work with and get trained. A strong start at the beginning of your career from a 100% commission broker will make a huge impact for those who are new to real estate field. Some larger and renowned brokers, like Balboa Real Estate, offer an extensive training programs to new real estate agents. Before joining a real estate firm, it is important to check certain factors like the business image, environment, size and so on. Let’s have a look at what you as a newly licensed real estate required to know about a broker before giving interview.

Size
Size does matter. In states like California, where you can find companies which range from 10 agents to hundreds of agents. It is important to be. With a real estate company with the best commission program and statewide coverage. Always consider to join a reputable company with statewide coverage that gives the support that you need while working.

Facilities
Facilities are important and one of the more important factors to look for. You surely  don’t want to take your clients in an office without basic facilities. Its important to check whether broker office has basic amenities like computer, fax machine, copier, adequate parking space, etc.

Management
Management of the broker company is as important as you contact with potential buyers. In large company, salaried managers will be in your primary contact list while in small real estate company, owner of the company will manage your work. It is your duty to ask about how many full-time and part-time agents the company have. How managers will manage the work of all agents and how they all will communicate.

Training
As a new in real estate field, it is essential for very real estate agent to get trained under experts who have decades’ experience in real estate field. Broker companies should offer training for their new agents. It is important to the principals and fundamentals. For example, how to write purchase agreements, you will learn about real estate law and contract law, how to finance real estate, how to list property for sale, and how to evaluate real estate property. Proper guidance and training is important to get for acquiring skills in such areas as negotiating and sales techniques.

Administrative Support
In many real estate company, brokers handle MLS listings and processing of paperwork transaction. Ask account department about how long you will get your commission after closing the deal.

Recognition
Your personal goal determines how successful you can become in real estate. Making money is goal of every real estate person, but you should get recognition for your achievements from your broker or the real estate company for which you are working. Successful real estate companies recognize their top agents.

Balboa Real Estate is looking for agents to join their team on a 100% commission basis. There is no need to pay the monthly or yearly fee. Just pay a transaction fee and we provide training and guidance from experienced real estate professionals. successful

/by

What a Real Estate Agent Should Look For In a Brokerage

What a Real Estate Agent Should Look For In A Brokerage

Choosing a real estate brokerage could be tough for agents who wanted to make sure that all their efforts in finding buyers are all worth the commissions they are getting. I know because finding and prospecting clients are not easy as pie, unless you are an elite and a very experienced agent who had already built brand and connections in real estate industry, you have to go certain measures to turn that inquiry into a closing sale.

If you have a license and whether you are new or professional real estate agent, one thing you need is a real estate broker to run your career. Sure, you can pick any brokerage you want, but remember that in order for an agent to be successful, there are few important factors a new real estate agent needs to consider about their brokerage.

There are two important factors an agent should consider when searching for a real estate company to work with:

Commission

Real Estate agent commissions have different types, the split commission and the 100% commission. Example of a split commission is s 70/30 or 50/50 percent agreement between the real estate agent and the broker. The split commission may or may not yet include the broker’s fee because fees vary from broker to broker. Additionally there may be franchise fees or separate error and omissions fees. Whereas, with 100% commission, a real estate agent would take home the full commission and only need to pay a transaction fee like broker or office fee.

Balboa Real Estate offers 100% commission to both new and experienced agents with just a very small fee in every transactions starting from only $99. No start-up fees or any other fees are required for any licensed real estate agent in California to join the company. When considering other companies, make sure to find hidden fees there are in addition to a transaction fee.

Support / Marketing Training

There is more in a brokerage other than the commission. Another thing that a real estate agent would look for when finding a broker is their marketing support. A good working environment, support and tools available in the office are mostly newer agent need to run their business.

A good working relationship with your company and a healthy environment as a whole means more sales and more commissions. That’s why Balboa Real Estate offers both 100% commission and marketing support for agents to perform exceptionally.

Depending on which real estate career you are in right now, choose a broker that is worth all your hard-earned money. Contact us to find our more about 100% commission. 

/by

Not all 100% Commission Real Estate Brokerages Are Equal

The trend of 100% commission real estate brokerages is now well-established. Even big franchise names like REMAX and Coldwell Banker have been seen offering 100% commission. For agents comparing brokers to work with.

100 CommissionIt’s important to note that 100% commission real estate brokers can be very different.

The first important factor to understand is that 100% commission real estate brokerages almost always charge a transaction fee. In fact, 100% commission real estate is just rebranding flat fee per transaction brokers. This means you should ask what flat fees are charged by the broker.

The next important factor is that many of the 100% commission brokers charge a monthly, quarterly fee, or even an annual fee too.

Other fees that 100% commission real estate brokerages charge include a key fee, errors & omissions (also called risk management), document storage, and sign-up fees.

These are fees you should ask about when interviewing a 100% commission real estate broker.

Other questions you should ask include:

  • Are agents paid directly by escrow or does commission have to go to the broker first?
  • Is there a conference room or workplace at the office or is the company completely virtual?
  • What other benefits are agents entitled to?
  • Is there an in-house transaction coordinator?
  • What Realtor associations are they a member of?
  • What are the hours of broker support?

These are just to name a few.

Remember, there is an abundance of 100% commission real estate brokers so take your time to determine what a good fit is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/by

Listing Agents Can Insure Their Sellers

Balboa Seller ProtectionFinally, listing agents can offer coverage to protect their client. If you think about it, the seller is the most vulnerable party to a transaction. The brokers and agents are covered by their errors and omissions policy. The buyer isn’t disclosing anything, and as long as they can perform the sale they are safe. Plus, the buyer gets a one year home warranty to protect against common defects. What about the seller?

The seller is the party that is assuming most of the risk. The majority of claims are against the seller for not disclosing something or for some type of defect with the property that the buyer didn’t realize until after closing. The good thing is that there is a new insurance endorsement that extends the listing broker’s errors and omissions insurance to cover the seller against claims up to $25,000 for six months after the close of escrow – at no additional cost. This means that agents can offer the seller this protection for free, which is a huge real estate marketing advantage. Also, if the seller is really concerned they can pay $200 and have the policy extended to 1 year.

Once escrow closes, the listing agents registers the seller with the insurance company and then the seller receives a certificate at their new address. Sellers seem to be exceptionally grateful which adds to referral business. We’ve found that the insurance certificate has a more profound effect than the “thank you” card because of its lasting value.

Obviously, Balboa Real Estate offers their clients this seller protection coverage. We assume that there are other companies that offer seller protection, however, we haven’t identified them yet. If you are interested in offering your clients this seller protection or learning about our true 100% commission plan then CLICK HERE

 

/by

Real Estate Agent or Consultant?

,

We’ve all seen the real estate agents that call themselves consultants rather than agents or salespeople. The reason is blatantly obvious, and a little cheesy, but there is actually a higher Real Estate Consultantlevel and deeper meaning than these real estate consultants may have ever considered.

Let’s face it, the title “salesman” has a bad connotation. People that are in sales squeamishly change their title to something like account executive, account rep., and the sales department has been rebranded as the business development team. Real estate agents would never call themselves salespersons on a business card, and to put their title as “real estate agent” strikes some agents as cold or generic. However, “consultant” is much more elegant. It just has a ring to it that that suggests a knowledgeable advisor.

Top producing agents don’t sell homes like most salespeople sell products. A home is an extremely dynamic and personal product, consumers already have in mind their needs. Their preferences surpass what they will ever tell their agent.

This is where the title “consultant” rises to more than just a better sounding title and becomes the true sense of the word. Good agents deliver high quality data to their clients and educate their clients so they can rapidly make a sound decision. They don’t push homes onto people like most salespeople push products. Facilitating home sales is a matching and information game.

Top agents do have the qualities of top salespeople because both personality types are often charming, persuasive, and carry a purpose. These qualities are just used differently.

Agents sell their brand and character, then they get down to business and perform the work when contracted. Salespeople sell a product and use their brand and character as reinforcement to make the sale.

All top agents make good salespeople, but not all top salespeople make good agents.

Please CLICK HERE  learn more about joining Balboa Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

/by