Does it matter where an agent or broker works to their clients? I mean, all agents use the same MLS and offer essentially the same “product” right? They all have the same sorts of tools available to them, right? So what difference does it make to a customer where their agent works?
It makes a difference because of the quality and availability of support, training, and technology infrastructure. And it makes a difference because if your agent loves where they work and are successful in their career, they’ll do a better job for YOU.

What makes Keller Williams different?
For starters, Keller uses an “agent-centric” business model.
Most companies are built on a “broker-centric” model.
The fact is, many companies want agents to think their success is “dependent” upon them or the “size and strength” of the “company”, but that is far from the case.

So what makes us agent-centric in real terms?
Just look at the magazine you’re holding in your hands or at my website, or my business cards.
Although, I’m a Keller Associate Broker, it’s MY brand that is being promoted. The menu of services I’ve created for buyers and sellers and my method of doing business is my own and not dictated by the company I work for. These are freedoms I did not enjoy at any of the brokerages that I worked for previously and are an essential part of building my own business, not promoting someone else’s.
Even at the most supposedly agent-oriented companies, you may find oppressive practices. The company may restrict the use of your own name in promotions or require a dominant use of theirs. They may restrict the structure or compensation of your personal sales team. They may even restrict your income paths to strictly sales and direct all other financial opportunities toward the company.
Conversely, KW’s model and culture not only supports agent and team branding, but it is encouraged and emphasized!
At Keller Williams, we believe the company is best served by building the agent’s career first and putting the agent’s image ahead of the company’s. Keller is also a “no-brainer” for whole real estate companies. We’ve already seen multiple local real estate companies close their existing businesses to re-open as keller “teams”.
The brokers get to run their businesses with the same level of control they had as owners and can still have all their old agents as team members but with the enormous benefit of having Keller run the back end. They get to concentrate on actual business and customer service. They have less expense and they have access to services and training for their agents that they never could have provided on their own. They effectively get to run a business within a business.

Second, at Keller I’m not dependent only on real estate commissions to live! How many agents can say that? All of us at Keller can!
I have input in how money is spent at the company – as does every Keller agent. I have access to the books, and I share in the actual profits of the business. My clients are better served because every agent in the company is willing to help each other and act as a team. We all benefit if the company does well and in profit sharing we have what amounts to a retirement plan.
Every agent at our market center has a vested interest in seeing every other agent thrive. We are truly a team and not individual competitors like you see in other real estate companies.
Most companies give lip service to teamwork. At Keller teamwork is part of the business model, not a catch phrase.
Keller Williams is the ONLY national real estate company that offers profit share that is funded by the owner rather than the agents! Profit share is a gift that all KW members have available to them for helping the company grow!

Training is also a vitally important component of the company. Most training at other firms is directed at new agents and is focused on building the brand of the company with a secondary focus on making sure agents stay within the law, within company guidlines, and don’t run afoul of state regulations.
At Keller we truly are learning based. The education is continual for even the most seasoned agents at the company. More importantly the depth and quality of the resources available to us is staggering.
Keller Williams believes so strongly in agent career, business and life training that Keller Williams University was formed as a tangible extension of the company’s ongoing commitment to the agent’s learning and growth. These educational programs are focused on the personal productivity, sales skills, and career development of our people.
Our customers are served because even the most experienced agents at Keller are constantly in training.
KW is the only national real estate company that does not out-source their training. KW International has built a true university of training modules that are taught at each market center by the experienced Agent Leadership Council on an ongoing basis
and are available to all agents without cost!

As with all businesses, the real estate business is experiencing massive change. The trends are clear. Successful companies will treat their people as stakeholders, give them a say in the company, and will share the profits. The agents benefit by having a true career path, and their customers benefit by working with the best trained and most highly motivated agents in the industry.

If you are an agent or broker and would like to learn more about how Keller Williams can help you grow YOUR career. Call Matt Landry and Paul Nuzzi at 518-724-5823.