Former eXp Agent: ‘Coming Over to RE/MAX is the Best Decision I’ve Ever Made’

Daniel Bears regrets not joining RE/MAX sooner.

About a decade ago, Bears left a career in law enforcement for a fresh start in real estate sales – joining a small, independent brokerage in Melbourne, Florida. After seven years, the brokerage merged with eXp and Bears was suddenly aligned with that brand. Over the following two years, he began to feel stifled, losing hope in his ability to grow and excel in his career.

Needing a change, Bears moved to Melbourne’s RE/MAX Aerospace Realty in December 2019. It wasn’t until joining the RE/MAX network that he understood the value of transparency and the power of a globally recognized “For Sale” sign.

Now, in his first full year as a RE/MAX affiliate, Bears is embracing all things RE/MAX, from the networking to the events to the open communication channels. But the most valuable component of being with RE/MAX, says Bears, is the brand recognition.

Needing a fresh start

The announcement of the merger from an independent brokerage to eXp caught Bears by surprise. But it wasn’t just the lack of transparency he found unsettling – it was the prospect of working for a company whose focus, he says, is on recruiting, not transactions.

He points to the practice of eXp encouraging every real estate agent to recruit additional agents. Then, when a recruit sells a home, the agent earns money. Bears, however, was stuck on one aspect of the company policy: if everybody is relying on others to sell in order to make money, eventually someone has to actually sell a house.

Bears believes that buying and selling wasn’t a priority in the eXp environment.

“I’m a Realtor for a living. But we would have meetings five times per week with eXp on how to recruit. How does a guy like me recruit against brokers?” he asks.

Realizing his career was suffering under company values he didn’t align with, Bears knew it was time to find a new brokerage to grow his business.

“When I was at the annual NAR [National Association of Realtors] convention and people were walking around [wearing] RE/MAX nametags, they walked with more purpose and pride,” he says. “I was with eXp still, and people were coming up to me asking what eXp stood for. That was when I decided that if you’re going to be successful, you work for RE/MAX – and you’re clearly working for the best.”

So he made the switch to RE/MAX Aerospace Realty – and has never looked back.

Noticing immediate change

What Bears noticed right away upon joining RE/MAX was a newfound sense of pride – but also an uptick in opportunities for business.

“I got two referrals in a whole year of being with my previous brokerage. I’ve gotten so many more with RE/MAX. It’s something about that beautiful balloon that people remember,” he says.

“You get such a different response when you say you work for RE/MAX,” Bears notes. “It’s like saying you graduated from Harvard. I can’t explain it to you, but that’s the feeling I get. I feel like I went from the minor leagues to the pros.”

Additionally, Bears appreciates the hard-charging work ethic central to RE/MAX culture. Being surrounded by driven, successful agents has encouraged Bears to set even higher goals for himself.

The value of a loyal broker

Among the most notable differences Bears has experienced since joining RE/MAX is the support he receives from his Broker/Owner, Barbara Zapotocky. Previously lacking a concrete support system, he appreciates her mutual respect and professionalism.

“If I called [Barbara] right now, she would call me back. If I have an issue, Barbara has my back – and that’s all I ask. You want to know that your broker is protecting you. As long as I’m doing my job, she makes sure I’m covered,” Bears explains.

A stronger broker/agent connection was a major criterion when searching for a new brokerage to call home. Bears agonized over not being able to reach his eXp broker in a timely manner by phone or email.

Bears describes RE/MAX as the “new age model” where communication is prioritized. Classes, virtual webinars and events are a key component to being affiliated with the RE/MAX brand. But on a day-to-day basis, Bears sought a place where asking questions is encouraged to learn and grow.

“How much support can someone give you if they really don’t know you?” he says of his former broker.

Committed to the brand

Bears credits RE/MAX for providing him with the ability to build his business with a brand that has a time-tested reputation.

He also points out the value in having a designated professional office space – a feature that wasn’t offered at his eXp brokerage. For help with technology, inspiration from top performers and general camaraderie in a close-knit community, Bears appreciates having a brick-and-mortar home base to concentrate on doing business.

“If you want a personal feel, people in the office that you can talk to and have [a] relationship with, you work with RE/MAX,” Bears says.

With the benefits he’s seen in just one year with RE/MAX Aerospace Realty, Bears is committed to the RE/MAX brand.

“When I was with eXp, I was struggling and nervous every month to the point where I was wondering how I was going to pay for my sons’ braces or college. I haven’t had to worry about that since I made the move to RE/MAX. I haven’t had a lull.”

“Coming over to RE/MAX is the best decision I’ve ever made,” Bears says.

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