The concept of virtual agents has been discussed more and more in the past few years and there is a brand operating successfully, empowering agents to go it alone using this model.
Paul Davies has spent almost 40 years in the Australian real estate industry and built the One Agency concept through his personal experiences, taking the good points of working in an agency and creating a model that works for self-motivated agents.
After working in a successful franchise and building his business into three, he realised that did not necessarily mean three times the income. “At the end of the day it’s the amount that you retain after all costs that is the only fact that counts,” Mr Davies explained.
One Agency reverses the industry benchmark of a real estate business owner keeping 10-20 cents in each dollar they make and spending the rest on running costs, so the agent gets more in their pocket. “We think it’s sensible if you can spend 10 or 20 cents in the dollar generating the income and keep 80 to 90 cents,” he said.
Banking on the fact vendors will want to work with a particular agent rather than the brand, One Agency steers clear of shopfronts and allows its licensees, currently numbering 12 around the country, to operate their businesses from their own private office – whether that is at home or elsewhere.
“If a vendor knows you and loves you and you’ve built rapport over the years, you’re going to get that deal no matter where you are. But that’s only a small percentage of your business. For the other percentage, which is probably the bulk of your business, you’re going to have to compete against other agents and if you’re going to compete you need all the tools that that agent’s got to compete against them,” Mr Davies said.
One Agency provides its agents with those tools, but there are certain factors a prospective licensee needs:
A monthly fee to One Agency covers marketing the brand, technology and operating platforms, with the business called One Agency by [insert agent’s name]. This leaves the agent free to get on with what they are good at – listing and selling property.
“We are empowering people to do it the way that they want to do it. They don’t have to dance to anyone else’s tune; they get the opportunity to virtually double their income. They’re even more excited working for themselves than someone else,” Mr Davies said.
As agents work the hours they need to and don’t have to be in an office, this model can work for people interested in a full- or part-time real estate business, opening up opportunities for single parents and high-flying superstars equally. “It’s an easy way of conducting business and yet very potent,” he added.
One Agency is a major disrupter to the real estate franchise industry, by focusing on providing agents with up to minute marketing and branding within the framework of low cost business operating options. This clever business model has been designed to deliver optimum profitability for agents in all market conditions. The model provides an environment for agents that is sustainable through the volatile ups and downs of the property market, and the best protection from the variations in income which result, and are inevitable when operating a real estate business.
"We attract very motivated agents to our brand,” says Mr Davies, Founder & CEO of One Agency, “some members are new to business ownership and some are already established and bring their franchise agency to us seeking change. Business owners want relief from franchise constraints and costs, which consume profitability and increase the risk of survivability." One Agency business owners are able to react much quicker and in a far more autonomous manner than those who own traditional real estate franchise businesses. As a result of the sensibility of the model and value packed options, One Agency Real Estate group, has become Australasia’s fastest growing brand,steadily gaining popularity since opening its doors in 2008. The group will administer 160 offices across Australia and New Zealand by the end of June 2016, placing the brand firmly within the top 10 networks in Australia, and all in record time against other groups that have been around for many decades. Mr. Davies knew, after more than 30 years experience as a real estate business owner, that there was a better way, and launched this unique business model 8 years ago, fitting the need for agents seeking independence and a far better deal, as well as franchise and independent agencies seeking relief from costs and a corporate banner. He continues to help create profitable, sustainable and enjoyable businesses, and brings his personal guidance and wealth of experience to all members.
For more information on becoming a virtual agent with One Agency call 1300 792 388 or email info@oneagency.com.au