In the following interview, Andy McDonald, designated broker at HomeSmart Advantage Group in Tucson, Ariz., discusses his firm’s fee structure and technology, as well as his approach to agent service.
Region Served: Tucson, Ariz.
Years in Real Estate: 17
Number of Offices: 3
Number of Agents: 320
You took over HomeSmart Advantage Group in 2012 with a little over 200 agents and have grown the firm exponentially since then. What does it take?
We find that our agents are the best recruiters for the company. We’re always there to support them, and they talk about it. Also, we try to live up to what we say we’re going to do.
What attracted you most about HomeSmart, and which of the brand’s systems do you find most beneficial?
I find the HomeSmart concept to be a win-win. Not only do agents receive more than they would from any other company, but our fee structure puts them way ahead commission-wise, allowing them to earn more money than they would with a traditional brokerage where they would only receive 20 to 50 percent of their side of the commission. What’s more, the overall efficiency of the HomeSmart concept is the best for agents.
How do you stay ahead of the competition?
Our service, support and professionalism combined with the best fee structure makes us the best. HomeSmart’s technology and tools are second to none, which also helps us stand out from the competition. The fact that HomeSmart isn’t a traditional model is another point of differentiation, allowing me to offer the best possible package to agents.
What is the one thing you think your agents would say is the best thing you do for them?
We’re transparent, which means there are no surprises. We spell out our fee structure, give them their money when they close and don’t pull any punches. I make sure to set any and all expectations up front.
What is the key to real estate success?
I run the company as if I were still an agent. Before I make a decision, I ask myself how I would feel about it if I were an agent. I sold real estate for 16 years and I know what I liked and what I didn’t like, so I’m very sensitive as to what makes an agent happy. Agents’ lives can be difficult due to the amount of balls they need to juggle at any given time, and I don’t want to add any stress to their lives. I’m here to help them run their business the best way possible with as little stress as possible.
For more information, please visit www.homesmarttucson.com or www.homesmart.com.
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