Whether you’re leaving for a new opportunity, because you’re angry, or just because you’re ready for a fresh start, there’s a right way and a wrong way to make a change. Here’s how to leave a brokerage on good terms, even when there are complex feelings involved.
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There are as many reasons to leave a brokerage firm as there are people leaving. Maybe you’re leaving for personal reasons or because the company culture isn’t right for you. Maybe you’re leaving because you need more flexibility or because of a personality conflict with your current broker. In some cases, you may be leaving because of dishonest dealings or problematic attitudes at your brokerage that have recently come to light.
Whatever the case, there is a right way and a wrong way to switch from one brokerage to another. Here’s how to leave your brokerage in a way you can feel good about.
Do not use company resources for the transition
If you know you’ll be looking for a job, that’s something you should do on your own time using your own resources. Do not involve your current workplace in your job search. Not only is it unprofessional, it’s downright disrespectful.
Do not use your company email, work computer, photocopier or office supplies to prepare or send resumes or to communicate with your prospective broker. Don’t sit in the office talking to other brokers on the phone or disappoint current clients and colleagues in favor of spending time with your prospective new broker.
Do not disrespect your broker
Even if you don’t really like your current broker, there’s no need to be disrespectful when you leave. After all, his broker gave him a chance and presumably helped him learn the ropes whether he was a new agent when he came along or, if he was a veteran agent, facilitated his career growth.
Talk to your broker when you’re ready to start looking for a new broker. Don’t let them find out through rumors that you’ve decided to go ahead, and don’t let all your fellow agents know before you tell your broker. Even if your personal relationship isn’t the best, be professional in the way you engage and offer them the courtesy of prompt notice.
Do not air your complaints
You may think that leaving your brokerage gives you a chance to let everyone know how you feel. Now is your big chance to finally tell people exactly what you’ve always thought of them, right? Wrong.
There’s a reason real estate is a relationship business. The agent you scolded today may be sitting across from you on your next transaction. The manager you snub on your way out the door may be getting his feet wet before becoming a great runner down the road. Burning bridges is a terrible idea, as you’ll likely see some of the same people on the road ahead. Keep your thoughts to yourself.
Don’t undercut your current brokerage
Similarly, you may be tempted to badmouth your current brokerage to all who will listen. You may want to tell them how incompetent they all are, how unprofessional, and how miserable it was for you to put up with them for so long. In most cases, you will be the one to lose face, either because of your behavior or because of the bad vibes you are giving off.
Other than that, Realtor’s Standard of Practice 15-2 Code of Ethics states that Realtors must:
The obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, and their business practices includes the duty not to knowingly or recklessly publish, repeat, retransmit, or republish false or misleading statements made by others. This duty applies whether false or misleading statements are repeated in person, in writing, by technological means (for example, the Internet), or by any other means.
In other words, if your insults are based more on your personal perceptions and disputes than reality, you could find yourself in an ethical bind.
Don’t give in to pettiness
Do not talk to that person you have always disliked. Not returning phone calls in a timely manner. No dealing with that troublesome office manager. The last few days or weeks at the brokerage firm may seem like the perfect time to give in to all of your worst instincts. Nope.
That office manager may be the one to make sure your last commission check arrives on time. That person you’ve always disliked may end up following you to the new brokerage. Those phone calls you didn’t return may contain a potential lead or two. Please continue to do your best work and keep your reputation intact.
Try to focus on the positive aspects.
Although you may be excited to move to your new brokerage, for peace of mind it’s best to try to focus on the positive aspects of your current brokerage. You learnt something? Did you make at least one or two friends or did you connect with some amazing clients? Did you find a solid mentor? What can you take away from the experience that is good?
While you may have legitimate frustrations with the place you’re leaving behind, if you can focus on the positives, you’ll transition to your new brokerage with a different perspective and better energy. That will help you get started and make you more successful in your next professional setting.
If there are serious matters to address, do so professionally.
Of course, sometimes you leave for more serious reasons than a personality conflict or a more favorable separation. Perhaps you are leaving behind a truly toxic work environment, harassment, or unscrupulous business practices. You may need to address behaviors you’ve witnessed once you’re away from your current brokerage.
In this case, you will want to seek the advice of a trusted legal advisor. They can guide you through the process of contacting the appropriate corporate representative, your Board of Realtors, Professional Standards Commission or Division of Real Estate to provide relevant information in a timely manner.
Source: news.google.com