[Iamanoak]

Hello Everyone,

I am 32 yrs old and a broker associate with my father's very small real estate brokerage. I came to work for him about two years ago after spending 10 years in the title insurance industry. I was a closing title officer when I left. He too spent time in the title industry as well and I worked for him then too. I come from a long line small independent brokers. Third generation to be specific. So small brokerages are really all I know, other than Title Insurance.

Last year was a really good year for me. This year has not been not been nearly as good, but I am still closing deals. Because of the slow down in my area, I have noticed that most of the big franchises and large brokerages are recruiting like crazy.

Last week I started recieving calls from a couple of the franchises and another large brokerage to come to work for them. The large brokerage that called made it a point to tell me that I was on a very short list and they wanted just me and not any of the agent thats I manage. Apparently they are opening a new branch office closer to home. They claimed that they could help me increase my production even more. Needless to say it was somewhat flattering.

I guess the question I am trying to pose is; would it be worth it for me to jump ship and try something new in this market, or, should I stay where I am. I will say the benefit of where I am now is that I have virtually no overhead except for advertizing and office supplies.

I should also mention that my wife is 9 months pregnate with our first and due this week, so we are headed for a large transition anyway. Please feel free to give me all the pro's and con's of a decision like this..

Sorry for such a long post....

Thanks,

Iamanoak