I have always approached real estate with the notion that we are our own brand. This is something which I still hold very true to my heart but I had been looking at brokerage from the wrong perspective: I only focused on what it COST me per transaction.
The reason for this was that I provide value added services which are not typically included in most Realtors listing package. Items like pre-listing inspections, handyman services, cleaning, staging, video and exceptional marketing services are what my clients expect and what has driven my business to where it is today. All of those services come with a high cost and because of my strong belief in the service I provide, I felt the brokerage to be an irrelevant aspect of my business.
Over the past year however, that mindset began to shift. There are certain people in my industry that I greatly admire who truly have a passion for being in real estate. I always wondered why they would pay a brokerage when they have developed a brand that would work under any name. I began to realize it isn’t simply a brokerage that makes a difference, it is the environment of being around like minded people. It is the ability to learn from others and having owners and managers whose focus is to guide you and see your career grow.
I have worked with two brokerages who charge nominal transaction fees. While it is good financially, I can say there is definitely something missing: PASSION. The atmosphere and mindset is fixated on how much we can keep in our pocket with little emphasis placed on how the growth of our agents and how the client experience can be bettered.
In comes my dilemma: How can I truly offer the absolute best real estate experience to my clients when I am not surrounded by people and a brokerage that are truly passionate about real estate? I need to be around people who pride themselves on service, who continue to set the bar higher and who I can continue to learn from. So, my search began for a brokerage which I thought would be the best fit for me.
I wanted to make sure that my next move would be my last. I had asked numerous people about their thoughts about their brokerage and how it played a role in their success. After countless conversations I noticed a trend, regardless of the brokerage many top producers are with, MOST of them have received education from Keller Williams.
While not the most recognizable brand in Canada (yet) they are the biggest real estate company in North America and by far the most well known and respected brand amongst the realtor community and their education sets the standard for what real estate is. I have read every book by Gary Keller, who is in my mind the most passionate owner of a real estate company and truly cares about the betterment of the real estate experience. Keller Williams even has a centre for research at Baylor University in the United States!
I set up a meeting with Keller Williams in Mississauga and felt like I had found my home. The environment, the people, the vision… it is everything that I believe real estate to be. Top producing realtors who openly share and collaborate, not treating real estate from a view of scarcity and hiding secrets. People who collectively want to make the real experience better for consumers and delivering them value added services.
Sunny Daljit who is the owner of the brokerage along with John Furber, previously ran the most successful Keller Williams office in the world. Since entering Mississauga he has attracted the top agents in Port Credit and already has market share and will continue to grow within our community. This means more exposure locally AND international exposure through Keller Williams vast network.
In a real estate world that is continuously changing it is always my goal to ensure that I am delivering an experience to my clients that is second to none. By transferring to a brand which prides itself on education and the relationships and networks I am creating, I am confident that I will be on top of every trend, training and marketing that will enable your home to stand out amongst the competition and allow you to continue to receive a level of service which is beginning to slip away in our industry.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to what the future has in store!