August/September Business View Magazine

76 77 are being charged.We’re finding they’re saving over $5,000 per transaction in some markets. The goal is, if we as agents can show our benefit in other ways that don’t harm our commission, we can protect the interests of agents, while also benefiting our clients at a higher level. It’s about putting the consumer at the heart of the transac- tion. They can still shop all they want, this is just a secondary opportunity. But because the num- bers create such a vast difference, the consumer is benefiting more through Keller Mortgage than through an institution they may find on their own. KWmakes their money on the real estate sale side of things, so there isn’t as much pressure on the auxiliary pieces, because we’re protect- ing what we’re really all about, which is selling homes.” Looking ahead, Henderson has an ambitious objective for KW Realty Phoenix– to increase the average annual commission to $100,000 per agent over the next 12 to 18 months. She elaborates, “Here in the Valley, the average agent makes $35,000 to $40,000 annually, which is nothing compared to our average price point. In some markets that might be a fine commission, but our average sale price is bordering $275,000 to $300,000 so, depending on the commission they charge, we’re really talking about four or five transactions per year per agent. Our brokerage is double that – the most recent statistic was about $78,000 for the year. I want to grow the office from an agent perspective, because the more suc- cessful people we have, the more we will attract. When I meet with agents, their vision for a life in Yvette Myer Senior Account Executive 800.282.7131 Ext. 1246 YvetteM@orhp.com www.myorhp.com/yvettemyer SM Protecting your client’s American dream We Care – we handle service requests on a case-by-case basis: fast, friendly, efficiently. We’re Helpful and Sincere – we take pride in the service we offer. We Listen – we understand there is a human side to home warranties. This is a paid advertisement. KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY PHOENIX PREFERRED VENDOR n Old Republic Home Protection www.orhp.com real estate usually involves a six-figure number. I want to make sure an average agent can get to that. The five-year plan is to grow the current number of agents from 300 to 600.” Henderson also comments on emerging on- line tech start-ups in the real estate realm. “The question mark over the next few years is: how will agents keep service and expectations alive? I believe that the way they set that tone will dic- tate the outcome. For example, you can sell your vehicle on cars.com , but the dealerships haven’t gone anywhere, because consumers still feel uncomfortable making a transaction of such large magnitude without support or assistance.With real estate, we’re talking about a $300,000-plus investment. So, this is our opportunity to share our worth.” “The KWmodel is set up such that the bro- kerage and the agent need to win together to be successful. At KW Phoenix Realty, we are agent-centric.We want to create a place where people can realize their dreams and bring that to their families and their charities and find financial freedom.”