Randy, welcome, I don't think I have ever seen you post on here. I am not crusty (lol) and haven't been in business 30 years but am a one woman operation.

I am not sure you will get any crusty veteran to admit they are crusty veterans or old. Just kidding. I would like to hear from them too, we can learn from our elders...

I agree that success is not necessarily tied with the big boys, but what you individually do for your clients and your own business ethics.

I have almost 10 years as a broker, not 30.  I have been a one person operation for 5 years, working out of my home office.  

I can't imagine going back to a situation with company fees and regulations and commission splits.  I don't think I could go back to a broker or office manager telling me to do unproductive things.

I have done a lot of transactions with huge, big, medium, and small companies, franchises and independents, and I cannot tell the difference.  They all have some good competent agents and some useless incompetent agents.  

If you develop satisfied loyal clients you will prosper no matter your situation.  Many people need the "security" of a group to be comfortable.  I need the "freedom" of being my own boss to be comfortable.  

Team concept doesn't get me. I can't seem to understand how it works.

I know KW has a good team concept, I've got the Millionaire Real Estate Book by Gary but haven't fininshed reading it yet.

Can someone give me the "short version" on how your team works?

How do you switch a buyer to your buyer agent? Seller to seller agent?

and so on?

Randy: I've only been in business for 22 years so I may not qualify:)

But I couldn't continue paying commission splits because the value just wasn't there.

I would have no problem paying splits but the Brokers generally didn't produce/earn their share (40-50%) you get most of  own business anyway, so I went with 100% company and now I own my own franchise now in CT.

My agents are happy because I keep their fees low and they get 94% +-  of their commission check.

http://LitchfieldCountyMLS.com

I'm only six years in to the real estate business, with a few years previous to that in the remodeling business, but just two months ago I started my own "one (wo)man brokerage."  It didn't take me 3 years, let alone 30 years to be jaded by big company mentality.  So far so good, but I would also love to hear from veteran one man operations...the ups & downs, etc.  Since I made the switch, I've had a least a 1/2 dozen agents ask me "what it took" to go it alone, so I think it's obvious that there are many more agents out there that may want to take the leap, but are unsure about leaving the flock, so to speak.  Not that I've done it, I'm thrilled that I did, although I did have a few sleepless nights while making the transition.  I get approximately 90% of my business off of my website, and working from home and as my own broker allows me to put more money in to it, which is great!  I don't miss the commission splits at all!

Sorry Randy I don't have 30 years but, I have been with 3 different "Name" companies and just 3 months ago broke out on my own under no franchise.  I seen what was going on and who was really getting the money  I would rather give back to my agents and my community.  I was asked why did I not go with a franchise  I said at this point I do not see one that has anything to offer me.  There are some benefits with a franchise company but after weighing the options I am waiting it out.

Hello Crusty, welcome!

From where I'm sitting, working for an independent broker.  I see the successful guys and they were also successful working for their independent brokers. Franchising is a business model that works very well.  

Successful is a state of mind isn't it?  

Nicole: there are 2 choices in my opinion as working in commission split franchise for 15 years.

1. go it alone, congrats to you

2. go with a 100% concept franchise, if the fees are reasonable.

http://litchfieldcountymls.com