In this monthly column, Anthony Askowitz explores a hypothetical real estate situation from both sides of the broker/agent dynamic.
An experienced agent believes her office’s involvement with a well-known charity has zero impact on a customer’s decision whether to hire her or not. Can her broker show her the value of this relationship?
Agent perspective
My office has a long association with a well-known national charity, and part of this relationship involves agents agreeing to donate a portion of every commission to the organization.
I knew and accepted this when I joined the company years ago, and I’m delighted to have my work benefit such a worthy cause. Throughout the year, I also make additional out-of-pocket donations and enjoy how this association with the charity builds camaraderie in our office.
While my broker and I share an affinity for this charity, we have a disconnect when it comes to promoting our company’s involvement to new customers. He believes we should make it a priority, and I couldn’t disagree more.
First of all, I personally feel that charity should be given quietly and without fanfare, and find actively promoting our collective impact to be somewhat boastful. But more importantly, I’m convinced that the only thing a potential client cares one iota about is my ability to buy or sell their home — full stop.
All the philanthropy in the world isn’t going to change anyone’s mind when it comes to business. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the most generous, impactful nonprofit organizations in the world — but if a company wants to buy MacBooks and iPhones, does all that philanthropy make one bit of difference in their decision?
An even better example might be my own original decision to join this office. Issues that mattered to me were the experience and talents of the broker, the collective strength of my fellow agents, the generosity of my split, my opportunities for growth and advancement, the…