I was asked this question the other day from a buddy of mine and I thought it would be something I could share with you. We were talking about real estate in general and he asked what the differences were and mainly, was one better than the other. I’ve been with both. I worked for RE/MAX in Athens for about 5 years, I also worked with a small “two person” operation prior to that,  and now I own a brokerage, so I felt like I could definitely give a good opinion. My advice was pretty simple.

IT DOESN’T MATTER. CHOOSE THE REALTOR, NOT THE BROKERAGE.

There are good and bad agents at the “big time” places, as well as the small brokerages. A NAME does not make a brokerage. The REALTOR does. Granted, the large brokerages do offer better access to training and tools that the smaller brokerage may not have, but it goes back to the agent. They have to WANT to take advantage of those things.

The main beef I have with some of the smaller brokerages is their marketing and web presences, but their marketing materials and websites does not necessarily dictate the service that you will get.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE ARE THE KEYS.

Experience is the tricky part, though. It’s kind of like credit. If you don’t have it, no one wants to give it to you. Knowledge CAN make up for lack of experience…to an extent. Don’t overlook a new agent strictly because they’re new. With the right head on their shoulders, they can make a great asset. All of us were new at one time or another. I still remember my first sale about 7 years ago. I was scared to death, but I made it through.

I could probably go into more detail, but it would get boring….quick.