Knowledgeable consumers appreciate the employee agent approach, particularly when they experience the full benefits. Less emphasis is placed on shifting homebuyers to the higher end of their preferred price range and the focus becomes finding the right home. Sellers have a higher degree of confidence in a motivated team sales approach, particularly when combined with technological efficiencies. These and other benefits provide a foundation that leads to increased customer loyalty and referrals. Management facilitates the concept by providing an environment that fosters team spirit and rewards performance.
Thoughtful implementation generates positive cash flow and attractive margins.
It also establishes an atmosphere that makes customers more comfortable and gives employees the security to enjoy vacations. There is no silver bullet for implementing change. As with any major change, shifting to an employee brokerage operation presents both old and new challenges including hiring, testing, orienting, training, motivating, retaining, evaluating performance and managing compensation. When hiring employee agents, it's important to make sure they have realistic expectations about income and performance. Motivating performance is a never-ending contest that is key to retaining valued team members.