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Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker! (Fathom Realty Washington LLC)

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2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

       I was with Coldwell Banker from 1985 to 1990.  Century 21 from 1990 - 1992.   Then I opened my own company. 

     I encounter those Brokers, and the agents of those companies, from time to time.   All is well.

Mar 09, 2018 09:51 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

We remain friends with all who leave, they will be back someday.  And since we are encouraged to self brand our clients never call the office to look for us so if we leave the clients will just continue to reach us at our cell phone numbers.

Mar 10, 2018 04:19 AM
Ambassador
5,230,119
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I'm still in close contact with a lot of agents from my old brokerage - in fact, I'm in the middle of a cross-sale with one of them. 

They know I'm alive and well!

Mar 09, 2018 11:38 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,364
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hmm.  Interesting question, Paul.

 

Mar 09, 2018 09:30 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have always assumed that once I left I was "dead" to them on some level. But that being said, as my only phone number on my marketing material has always been my cell, I don't believe I've lost any clients over it. I can't remember the last time someone looking for me called the company number and not me directly. Must be more than 15 years.

Mar 10, 2018 04:22 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have received some disappointing reports.

Mar 10, 2018 03:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

The thought never crossed my mind Paul. I don't burn bridges when I leave and have continued contact with previous brokers, associates and administrators. I don't expect them to forward info to anyone. That's my responsibility.

Mar 10, 2018 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, - and I do not know why they do so!

It is all about relationships and they do not respect once you leave them!

Mar 09, 2018 11:41 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

We probably are 'dead' to our old brokerage, though I met some really nice people, during our short time there Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS,.  I personally could not call, because they would recognize my voice, or my laugh, whichever came first - HA!  I can guarantee they would not give forwarding information to a potential client, and our existing clients know where we are, as our phone number has not changed.  Good question! 

Mar 09, 2018 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

My first broker and I adore each other to this day and are great friends. BUT. She's a Scorpio, if you know anything about astrology--always in control. The office was sternly instructed that when an agent leaves, if someone asks for them, 'they are no longer with us, how can I help you?'
Simple retention of what was accomplished while under that brokerage. I never blamed her.
Of course my clients were always instructed to contact me directly--and one of the first things I did when I left that office was get an 800-number.
This was way before the days of Google Voice.

Mar 10, 2018 07:33 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

One office not only said I was no longer there, the caller was told that I was no longer in the business.  This was done by a so-called "friend". 

Mar 10, 2018 07:15 AM
Ambassador
2,062,064
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I call my office, on a regular basis, to ask where I am.  They're not sure, either.

Mar 10, 2018 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

LOL, my peeps know where to find me; they follow the man, not the company. Plus, I don't move often, in fact I averaged 6 years per company so far totaling 3 moves.

Mar 10, 2018 06:33 AM
Rainmaker
466,778
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

I started with Coldwell Banker and YES, I was dead to them once I left. Couple of customer told me that they had called the office and they did not give my information. They were told that they had no clue as to what had happened to me. I remember when some one would call and they had left, I would look up their information and give to the person asking. They were appreciative of the information. It is called being a professional. Since we know that happens, it is important to keep in contact with your customers.

Mar 10, 2018 05:40 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I have always been with 1 company which i bought out 20 years ago

Mar 10, 2018 05:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,734
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

The days when you are dead if you leave are all but over. It is too easy for people to find you. 

Mar 10, 2018 05:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Honestly, you are dead & gone & that's the way business is held. I know that if it is personal, they take the name & number & then call me.

I think you should be more concerned how the people that work with you now give you your calls lol.

Mar 10, 2018 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

It has been my experience they don't tell.

Mar 10, 2018 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

No, I have seen other agents that have left our office and they way they are treated and that's not the case.

Mar 10, 2018 04:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

I am not sure and not sure if I will found out someday or not... but its interesting food for thought 

Mar 12, 2018 03:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

You bet I am. Just like when I left my former profession, once you walk out the door everything changes

Mar 10, 2018 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Paul,

Some offices will not give out where you are because they assume the caller could be a prospect, and some do cheerfully.  We told people where someone's new office was and phone number.  A

Mar 10, 2018 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, I believe they should give forwarding information, but many do not.

Mar 10, 2018 06:48 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

that's sad.... In 40 years, I've changed offices 3 times....and I could go back to managing any one of those offices right now... I left professionally.... the broker/owner and I sat together and discussed my reasoning...it was always for an advancement and a different way to conduct my business....

I always left quickly and did not solicit anyone in the office, even if they followed me from my last office.... 

Mar 10, 2018 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

The first company I was with is closed now and I've been with Coldwell Banker United since 1995 so don't have any issues.

Mar 10, 2018 06:38 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I lived those days but not anymore....Today, ask me

Mar 10, 2018 06:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I know that my old offices don't do that, though some individual agents do.

Mar 10, 2018 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Michael Jacobs nailed this one!

Mar 10, 2018 05:46 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The 'office' I interpret to mean broker, managing broker and staff, NOT the agents.

What I have observed as common practice in real estate offices is the attempt to cannibalize  the departing agents business. Calls coming for the departed agent is responded with, "Paul is not available but Mary can help you now."

What I have witnessed the broker do is distribute the departing agents contacts entered into the brokers CRM to the remaining agents.

Brokers as I have stated so many times and in so many ways, it what is wrong with real estate today.

The agents, however, understand it is business as usual.....UNLESS the reason for the departure is directly related to a remaining agent.

Then it's, "Let the cat fight begin."

And, the sand box rules state, "Never speak badly of a past broker."

How absurd is that! 

Mar 10, 2018 05:08 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

I wouldn't say dead to the office but one manager never talked to me again.

Mar 10, 2018 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good advice.

Mar 10, 2018 03:34 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

When I left my old office, they KNEW where I went, and got an email from a client stating they had no idea.     SAD they treat like that!

Mar 13, 2018 08:59 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I started with one company and since they were run by 6 owner/agents they never really forgave me for leaving.  I don't hold any animosity against anyone and appreciate all that have positively impacted my career.

Mar 10, 2018 03:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Our former broker was not happy when our team left. We continue to enjoy good relationships with the Realtors who were our former associates.

I don’t have an office phone number. My cell is the only number that I have given out for quite some time.

Mar 10, 2018 08:10 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

I still maintain contact with agents I worked with at previous Brokerages... and I have had transactions with a few of them ..not so much with the Brokers, as they were the reason I left...

Mar 10, 2018 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

No, it's a reasonably small regional community, changes happen frequently, everyone usually knows; all good.

Mar 10, 2018 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

When I left my first office the agents there would say they had no idea of where I went.   I wa the top prducer and they wanted that.  It took a short time to get people to realize where I was

Mar 10, 2018 06:58 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Thankfully when I left my old office i was the Realtor Association President which allowed people to find me. They also can find me on the Internet if they Google.

Mar 10, 2018 06:44 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

It's been awhile

Mar 10, 2018 03:50 PM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

All is well.  I dont think the old broker needs to share where you went.  In the age of the internet, people should be able to find you ny your name.  For this reason, never have your main web page be the one spondored by your broker. HAf3ev your own page from day 1

Mar 10, 2018 10:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

In the old days (before pagers, let alone cell phones) if you only gave out the office number, when you left the office it was a crap shoot if you'd get your calls.  Most of the time the broker was under no obligation to send them your way.  I remember we had to do a lot of "we've moved" marketing when we switched companies back in the day.  Working from home wasn't a serious choice back then either.  Once pagers came around, the smart ones started giving those out and the same with cell phones later on.  Then with personal emails it became much easier to move from company to company.  Now I advise new agents to NEVER give out the company contact info and ALWAYS use their own.

Mar 10, 2018 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
585,600
Dee Toohey
Innovative Realty Solutions Group - Longwood, FL
Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro

All of my old offices are defunct.  I got out before they closed or were shut down.  I think I'm good.  

Usually, they say, "Dee is not in the office, can I have another agent assist you?"

Mar 10, 2018 09:06 AM