Super Market Brokerage?
I got this idea while reading one of the Realtor Magazines I receive in the mail every few weeks. There was an article about a Realtor who opened a mini office inside a local super market. At first it seemed a bit over-the-top, but the more I thought about the idea, the more it made sense. Less than 200 sq. ft. inside a super market. Just enough room for a front window area and a back office and a third the costs of a normal office. Currently, my brokerage exit in the virtual world. We have very little overhead because all of my agents work from home and have a virtual office. This model limits the quality of agents we are able to attract and gives us no tangible exposure to clients. I am wondering if anyone has any information or experience in this area? I am hoping to begin a discussion on this topic so we can all share ideas.
It seems like a super market mini brokerage would receive a lot of foot traffic and would brand us as the local brokerage that connects with the public (we shop together).
WOW that is a great Idea!! My company had a Kiosk at the local Mall but we never had enough agents to staff the home. But I like this idea!
Couldn't hurt to try. Especially if they would let you start with a short term lease.
I know a broker in Houston who has done that. They opened last year and are doing very well in their market. I finished a SMARTePLAN for them last month that is posted on my blog. The house is listed at over $1M and I haven't a clue if THAT property came to them via the supermarket or not, but clearly the brokerage is carrying a range of properties. There was a recent write-up on them in our Houston newspaper and apparently agents flocked to them, very much liking the idea.