Hi Jim,

All of those services are provided to me and more. I pay a percentage of each sale to my firm to cover these costs.

I am with an independent firm in Denver. My broker is old fashioned and believes in supervision, training and accountability. Funny how those offerings don't sound like "tools" but the first time you have a question you can't answer and an unreachable broker, you realize how important those "tools" are! So many companies these days are just places to hang your license. There are literally hundreds of agents running around doing things however they feel without supervision and accountability. Our industry sadly lacks standards...oh well that's another topic. Getting off the soapbox now to answer your question...

We have wonderful tools to aid us in business, both a buyer and seller orientation book which helps agents explain the process to each side of the transaction. We find knowledge is a powerful tool and it helps the consumer understand what is going on .

Additionally we have several websites offering more knowledge and a list of vendors who provide a variety of home maintenance and repair services.

Staff support for brochures, signs, contracts and relo packages. The staff support is streamlined so an agent can call to have a relo package sent out and it is automated. The agent does not have to do secretarial work, they are given more time to work with the consumer.

Websites, virtual tours are part of the commission split, as is the staff and broker support.

Hi Jim - I am affiliated with Keller Williams Realty and have been with the company about 8 years (since they first began franchising in the Atlanta market). I transferred my license from another local brokerage after working there for a few years. Awesome company & belief system, great business model, wonderful people, and top notch training and technology tools. Earlier this year, they introduced the KWLS (a listing service of sorts) that feeds our listing data to websites like Trulia, Google Base, and others. If you would like to learn more about the company, feel free to call or email me and I'd be delighted to share more.

I am a Broker Associate with Windermere Exclusive Properties in the San Diego area. Windermere has an outstanding reputation, great technology tools and and tremendous cooperation between offices. We are provided desks and office space, copy services, cooperative advertising and some very cool web tools.
Training is ongoing and free for all agents.

In my case, I found @properties to be the best broker I have ever worked for. Their marketing department is absolutely amazing, we get free brochures, virtual tours and professional photos for free, the realtor signs for free, an weekly open house ad in the Chicago Tribune. Our listings are also submitted automatically to Craigslist. Should I keep going? :) Oh, and the sitting line feature that helps us get more leads, is phenomenal. We can always use the office computers, fax, phones etc.. Our IT department is great, very helpful and prompt. Anyway, I know it's hard to believe, but these things really matter to a realtor

I agree with Cindi wholeheartedly! Being an Associate Broker with Windermere in Northern California our broker is the Heart of the Organization. She provides is with forward thinking and the technology that surpasses most brokerages in California. Technology is where it is at.

I'm with Winderemre in Northern California. The most importaqnt tool my broker offers is herself. The mentoring is priceless. In addition to that, we're a sophisticated company when it comes to technology. It's possible to use only the tools that our company provides and get homes sold...quickly and efficiently. We have the latest telephone technology, websites...and plenty of tools to keep us all up to date on how to use them.

Reputation.....and combined purchase power. Different brokerages have different reputations. Ask friends family co-workers and even the agents who work there about the firms reputation. Communication tools are cheap and widely available. Anyone can get a cell, efax, email, blog. Marketing tools are and idea as well as training and coaching is a good thing to think about especially if you are new.

I also am with Keller Williams Realty. They offer many training and educational events for free. As an agent you pay for all of your own advertising, but you get to choose how you advertise yourself. Our commission split is kinda unique, and we are a rare breed by offering profit share. While we don't have duty desk, we can take opportunity calls. We give our agents the tools they need to start making money quickly. I hope this is what you were looking for.

PS> I hit send too fast on my reply, sorry for my spelling errors.

That depends on who decide to hang your license with. Most agencies cover a good portion of those expenses in your split. However, if you are any good, likely you are paying them too much and any additional adverising you do is going to brand them, not you. Keller Williams is all about agent branding and provides incredible free training as well as your own multipage web site. You can take a tour on my web site if you like.