The Keller Story

 

About Our Company

 

Despite a two-year decline in the national real estate market, Keller Williams continues to be one of the fastest growing franchises in North America, growing some 330% from 16,866 agents in 2003 to 72,594 in 2007.  The company’s Profit Sharing Program has also maintained a strong growth pattern from $11.7 million in 2003 to $48.4 million for 2007.

 

At Keller Williams it’s not all just about profits, systems and strategies.  In regional retreats called Culture Summits, agent “culture icons” gather with KW leaders.  The purpose of which is to discuss, vision and share learned experiences about culture and, specifically, how the Keller Williams culture can impact market centers and regions.

 

As for best practices, Keller Williams has itself implemented various productivity-enhancing programs such as: Operation Heart to Heart – a $1 million program providing productivity and profitability tools to help agents manage the shifting market; Keller Williams Listing System – a company-wide database allowing agents full control of the accuracy, timeliness and depth of their listing information and which is promoted on a selective list of eight of the most powerful real estate Internet sites.  Keller Williams has also made available to its agents resources such as the Market Trajectory Research and Regional Graphs – a reporting system that helps agents identify shifts in the real estate market three to four months in advance of shifts being noticed in local markets

10 things you should ask a real estate agent

Having the right real estate professional by your side can greatly improve your home-buying experience. A good rule of thumb is to interview a minimum of three candidates.

Here are 10 questions to ask during an interview:
  1. Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®? How long have you worked full-time in real estate? What geographic areas do you specialize in?

  2. Do you have a Website? What information can I find there?

  3. How will you keep me informed during my home search and throughout the transaction?

  4. Do you have a staff or a team? If so, what roles will they play in my transaction?

  5. Will you show me properties from other companies’ listings? (Some real estate companies do offer their buyers’ agents a higher commission if they are able to sell “in-house” listings. In those instances, there can be added incentive to limit the range of homes you are shown. This may affect your home search and how much you your agent’s fee will be.)

  6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller? May I have that in writing?

  7. How will you get paid? How are your fees structured? May I have that in writing?

  8. What distinguishes you from other real estate agents? What is your negotiating style?

  9. May I contact some of your recent clients as references?

  10. Do you have a performance guarantee? If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our buyer agency agreement?

    (In the heavily regulated world of real estate, it can be difficult to offer a performance guarantee. Typically, agents will outline verbally what you can expect from their performance. Keller Williams Realty understands the importance of win-win business relationships: The agent does not benefit if the client does not benefit.)