Does it Matter Who the Real Estate Broker Is? Keller Williams #1 Worldwide
February 18, 2015
For most buyers and sellers the main contact they have with the professional real estate community is with their local real estate agent. The National Association of Realtors in 2008 profiled home buyers and sellers and asked them how they found their real estate agent and 43% were referred by a friend, neighbor or relative. It makes sense relationally to go to someone who can be trusted for what is for most people their largest asset to purchase or sell.
It makes sense logically because all real estate is local. Thus it is important to have a representative who is active in the local market and knows the nuances that come in to play as to what determines value as well as information such as schools, transportation, community, jobs and local government. 
What most of the public doesn’t realize I’ve found is that real estate agents, unless they are themselves licensed as a Principal Broker, hold their license within the broader umbrella of a brokerage relationship. So does it matter who the real estate Broker is if as a buyer and/or seller you know your agent?
I maintain that it does matter. In my experience, the agent is only going to be able to perform as well as the brokerage that is behind her or him. Typically real estate brokerage firms provide agents with training, resources and support. Training can be educational in nature for license requirements or more practical encompassing best practices in the local, regional and national marketplaces. Resources run the gamut from office space and technology to signs and marketing materials. Support can be administrative in nature all the way to the backing of an international brand.
As often occurs in any industry, if a company is experiencing market and financial difficulties, there typically is a pulling back of training, resources and support. This holds true in the real estate industry as well. So be sure you ask your agent the financial health of their brokerage.
Keller Williams Realty Worldwide announced as of February 2015 that they have surpassed all other brokerages to now hold the #1 position worldwide in terms of agent count. http://www.kw.com/kw/pressrelease.html?pressReleaseId=961
So when a buyer or seller is deciding if it matters the brokerage for their real estate agent, I strongly maintain it does. That’s why HBC Realty Group is associated with #1 in the world – Keller Williams.
Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy are active and experienced Realtors® in the Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and Washington DC market place and would be delighted to assist whether for home buying or selling. Please contact via the means most convenient for you: www.HBCRealtyGroup.com, 703-734-0192, Homes@HBCRealtyGroup.com.
