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Two new RE/MAX agents agree that conversions can be scary. But looking back on their experiences, both say they have no regrets – and are already living the RE/MAX difference.
Sales Associates Mark Chacon and Karen Elder were among 35 Cobalt Realty Group agents who joined the large, successful RE/MAX Gold Coast in March. In doing so, they became part of the leading, 200-agent brokerage based in Ventura, Calif.
“At RE/MAX, you learn all the time,” Chacon says. “And you get to pick the brains of a lot of the top producers in Ventura County.”
Though he’s pleased with the switch now, he clearly remembers his initial concerns about the impending move to RE/MAX.
“Once you get over the shock,” he says, “the first thought is, ‘ Wow, how’s this going to affect me financially?”’
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Elder had the same reaction.
“I wanted to make sure my situation wasn’t going to change along with the brand.”
Both credit former Cobalt co-owner Patty Harrington with anticipating, and easing, their concerns. She initiated the conversion and is now a Manager with RE/MAX Gold Coast.
“Communication is key,” Chacon says. “Patty laid out the case for RE/MAX. Knowing the facts made all the difference.”
After speaking with Harrington, Chacon was so convinced RE/MAX made financial sense and offered new opportunities that he was able to sway a couple of his undecided fellow agents to make the switch, too.
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n her first six weeks with RE/MAX, Elder created beautiful fliers in the Design Center; sold a house – in two days! – using The RE/MAX Collection materials; created her first-ever virtual tour; and got her first lead through LeadStreet for a $1.6 million property.
“I was amazed,” Elder says. “I don’t usually get a shot at luxury listings. I was happy where I was before, but now I see that I can easily grow my business at RE/MAX.”
As for Chacon, he’s especially pleased by how open and welcoming the other Associates at RE/MAX Gold Coast have been.
“That was a concern at first,” he admits. “I wondered how I’d fit in at a brokerage where I’m one out of 200 agents. But it turns out, everyone I meet at RE/MAX has been helpful, and the brokerage encouraged agent interaction.”
Chacon shares an office with a RE/MAX veteran who offers him help when needed. RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty Broker/Owner Michael Sipes lent Chacon a helping hand with some paperwork recently, and Chacon is impressed by how much he’s absorbing from other agents who often congregate in the office’s large, café-style open space.
He loves the casual atmosphere and frequent impromptu get-togethers, often over fresh-baked cookies every Wednesday.
With extensive support available through RE/MAX, and the brand power that’s behind him, Chacon is optimistic about his future.
“I’d like to produce at a higher level, and now I’ll be able to, ” he says.
Tips for Agents New to RE/MAX
• Talk with your Broker/Owner honestly about your concerns
• Sign up for training and try out the huge selection of promotional tools available in the Design Center
• Explore different certification options offered via RE/MAX University
• Familiarize yourself with LeadStreet
• Find mentors among experienced RE/MAX Associates
Written by Dorota Wright-O'Neill
