The 'Franchise Fallacy'

Save Thousands!

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Every Realtor is able to negotiate the commission they charge. However, most say they can't lower their fees. Why? Because then they make less money!

If a Realtor is concerned about their bottom line, how motivated will they be to negotiate the best price when you have an offer?

Full Service Not Full Price
Why are Enterprise® Rent a Car and Kohls® Department Stores so succesfull? They combined quality larger companies offer with exceptional customer service usually found only in boutique stores.

RealStar has done the same with the Real Estate Business.		 Realtors associated with franchises often tell Sellers they need a high priced 'brand name' Broker to get experience and service. What they don't tell Sellers is they are more concered about profits than people.

Many real estate franchises work like multi-level marketing companies. The agent gets a cut, the team leader, the Broker, the franchise owner, the state and regional franchisee all the way to the national office. Who's money are they all splitting? Yours!

Locally owned Independent Brokers like RealStar don't have to 'pay-up' the franchise ladder. In addition, Independent Brokers are able to adapt to market changes faster and exceed most markeing and service you could get from a large franchise Broker. So why pay more and get less?

Independent vs.Franchise Realtors:

  • The Internet has 'leveled' the playing field. Independent Brokers like RealStar offer the same MLS and more and often, better marketing and customer service, all for much lower fees.
  • Once in the MLS, you get world wide exposure. Independents like RealStar use the same MLS, Real Estate sites, Relo Networks, Lockboxes, etc. the franchises do plus, many they don't.
  • Technology has dramatically reduced marketing costs saving the franchises thousands of dollars each transaction. For some reason, they never pass that savings along to the Seller like RealStar does.
  • Realtor.com and other sites contain accurate & timely listing data. Realtors used to control all this information forcing Buyers to visit their offices to get a 'secret list' of homes. Not anymore.
  • Today Buyers can find all MLS listings without contacting a Realtor directly. Buyers & Sellers have since turned to smaller independent companies where they feel they get better service.
  • Franchise firms spend million$ promoting their image. Inflated fees may help their bottom line but don't help you at all.
  • Some reports show less than 25% U.S. Realtors belong to large franchises. This has declined consistently from a high of over 85% leading to the huge growth of Independent firms nationwide. Franchises have tried to morph but still won't lower their fees.
Results: Companies like RealStar offer more experience, better marketing and better service.  So, why pay 5 or 6% for a franchise Realtor when you can get a lot more, for a lot less?
Big=Experience Myth:

Most Independent Brokers started out at franchise offices. They have that experience & much more. In fact, Independent Brokers often have experience 2-3x the industry average.

Franchises focus on acquiring 'New' agents to fill desk space. That's why you often see the 'classes starting' sign on their doors.

So, would you rather have an experienced Realtor or a recent student helping you with your important real estate decisions?

Experience, Service & Value -RealStar