I was reading an interesting article written by an agent in Minnesota. This article really was written for real estate agents and discusses how real estate offices stand in the way of buyers and sellers communicating with agents. Also it discusses how agents work out of their home and car anyway.
For the consumer, there is a very important line that is mentioned: “Having … offices costs money, and those costs get passed onto agents and consumers.” Yes, that means that part of that commission that the consumer pays (and the split that gets taken from the agents) is to cover the cost of an obsolete office. The amazing thing is that although offices generally slow down communications and highly inflate the rates that companies charge, a very popular question that I get is “Where is your office?” The truth is that we all have home based offices, but in the 21st century the need for the storefront, brick and mortar building is gone. The internet and cell phones have replaced the need to congregate in one place. Over 85% of buyers research on the internet. That is where the focus should be.
Don’t misunderstand the opinion given here. The real estate company and its agents and brokers should be part of the community. We routinely get involved in local activities whenever we can. What happens to the person that isn’t a part of the community? Then they have no roots or loyalty. They could easily get up and move away. They could get up and be gone. Without ties to the community, without demonstration of care for all of those around, then maybe that person or company isn’t the one that you want to deal with.
Ultimately, if you are a person who thinks that a brick and mortar storefront is required to sell your home, then I suggest re-evaluating your position because the times, they are a changin’.