Beyond the Split

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:	Susan Harrison
	Senior VP Corporate Communications
	EXIT Realty Corp. International
	Phone: (905) 363-4059
	E-Mail: sharrison@exitrealty.com

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Beyond the Split

5 things to consider when choosing a real estate company

Mississauga, ON (Grassroots Newswire) – “So, what’s the split?” isn’t the only question you should be asking when considering where to place your real estate license. Consider this:

1. Technology

The purpose of using technology in real estate is to make it easier to make money. Real estate is and always will be a people business. How many times has a home met all of the buyer’s criteria but in the end, they said it just didn’t feel right?

Look for a company that not only offers the technology you need to get organized, connect with people and get the job done, but also offers the training and expertise to use it effectively. Make sure the company has a team in place whose job it is to keep an on the tech world and bring you the best it has to offer so you can focus on your career.

2. Training

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the business, it’s important to always keep learning. Newbies don’t know what they don’t know and veterans can easily get into a rut. Make sure your company offers you many different levels of training; from newbie to veteran, from professional to personal, from people to technology. You should also have the opportunity to learn the way that best suits you: in a classroom, online, by DVD or CD or reading.

3. Sources of Income

Agents are traditionally paid based on their last closing. If life gets in the way and you’re unable to generate transactions for awhile, or if (and here’s a shocker) you decide to retire one day, you need to be sure there will be money coming in. Your company should offer you the opportunity to leverage the efforts of others to balance your income now, in retirement and for your family after you’re gone.

4. Leadership

Behind every good player is a good coach. Behind every good entrepreneur is a good mentor. Make sure you surround yourself with people who are leaders in their field – ethical, honorable, skilled and (by your definition) successful. Likewise, are you given the opportunity to grow and mentor others? Is there stability at the top of the organization?

5. Corporate Responsibility

Most folks want to know that they are associated with a company who steps up to the plate for the greater good. Are charitable contributions built in to the fee structure? Can you be proud of the organization’s involvement in the community and are you given the opportunity to participate?

At the end of the day you want to feel good about the name on your lawn sign and it’s not all about the split.

About Susan Harrison: Susan is a 22+ year veteran of the real estate industry, having worked at the brokerage level for two major franchise organizations prior to joining EXIT Realty Corp. International in 2000. As Manager of Franchise Support, she built and developed the department that trains and supports EXIT’s franchisees and administrators across North America. Shifting gears and taking on the challenge of Senior VP Web Development in 2005, she oversaw EXIT’s corporate website www.exitrealty.com, the company intranet, www.exitresourcecenter.com and a myriad of other online initiatives and resources until 2010 when she began her new focus as Senior VP Corporate Communications.