real estate agent

realtor

real estate analyst

sales representative

director of first impressions

Keller Williams Realty

These past (almost) three years working for Keller Williams Realty as a Front Desk Administrator have certainly been the most beneficial of my working life. I have had the wonderful opportunity of learning so much about the real estate industry and the inner workings of our company. It has also been rewarding to take on creative projects, such as our office's monthly newsletter, the bi-monthly regional newsletter, logo creation, and other hands-on projects. Through these projects and my unique skill set, I have thankfully been able to create job security. I have also had the pleasure of meeting some amazing public speakers and teachers in our industry at seminars and training events that our office has hosted.

Although Keller Williams has been a valuable learning environment, it has also had its share of challenges. My office runs on two front desk staff members, and has been since 2011. Communication is more effective between just the two of us, but an ever-increasing workload has resulted in high stress and anxiety. As staff, we do not get an annual review or raise, despite the extra work we may take on or are given over the course of the year. Oftentimes, I work six-day work weeks, and pick up extra hours last minute. Benefits, such as vacation time or paid holidays and health care are not offered.

My coworker and I have been taking on such a significant amount of work for as long as I can remember that regular office tasks are now forgotten or skipped altogether because there just isn't enough time in the work day. The monthly and bi-monthly creative projects that I work on have become increasingly more difficult to juggle among the typical office work volume. Even if I take on extra hours, or work on one of my days off specifically for these projects, I am usually asked to help with incoming files and office procedures. My coworker and I have asked to be made full-time employees so as to better handle the amount of work we have, but that request has been ignored.

Based on my past management experiences in other work environments, my current supervisors are by far the best I have worked for; however, since the stress and workload has increased across the office, they are often unapproachable when trying to discuss either day-to-day operations or other concerns. 

From a realtor's perspective, the company offers unparalleled training and education that, as an agent, you would be foolish not to take advantage of it. The company also provides profit share to it's agents. Some agents collect hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars every month through this program, in addition to their commissions. As a staff member, though, there is no room for growth or advancement. 

Despite these aforementioned challenges, I maintain a positive outlook and attitude at my office, always greeting my coworkers and our clients with a smile and friendly, "Hello!" When others are experiencing hard times, I do my best to remain positive for them and show them the more optimistic side of things. I have been complimented on my attitude and general outlook on life more times than I can count, and it is these coworkers who recognize my worth as an individual, not just an employee, that I sincerely appreciate.  

Keller Williams values integrity in business and in life above all else, a quality that initially attracted me to explore available opportunities. 

The time I have spent working for a highly successful team has taught me to live outside my comfort zone and to set client expectations to achieve team goals. 

My typical day involves generating new business from 9 AM - 11 AM, then following up with current buyers and sellers to coordinate showings and ensure the highest level of service is presented. The rest of the day involves meeting with new clients (buyers or sellers) and taking buyers on showings to help them find properties that will be the best fit. If goals are met, at least five buyers will be signed on with our team each week, and two-three purchase agreements will be executed and accepted. This ensures a steady stream of business.

Overall, Keller Williams does a great job supporting its employees. Classes are offered frequently to ensure KW agents have cutting-edge knowledge of market trends, contract execution, and sales techniques. Management is genuinely concerned about employee quality of life, and encourages "time blocking" personal time to ensure a work-life balance. Co-workers are more than just people you work with. Real estate is jokingly referred to as "a lifestyle," which it is - this means coworkers are close friends, as well as clients and managers. Referrals are the life blood of the business, and are impossible to achieve without rapport and bonding.

The rewards at Keller Williams are exactly proportionate to individual effort. Those who work hard to find business are rewarded by steady business and commission checks. Those who choose not to generate leads each day, in contrast, will likely not last long in this field. This means your potential is unlimited - or at least limited only by mindset. Working with wonderful clients and helping them find their dream home is one of the most enjoyable parts of this industry. Helping people to make huge financial decisions, and being part of that journey makes each day count.

I was at KWRI for 3yrs and a month.  My time there can best be summarized as a slow dumpster fire and I would not recommend a friend to work there.

Every single IT program is straight out of the 1990's.  It is amazing how out of date things are.  Lots of talk about updating things but, the budgets never get set. The management never commits. There are absolutely ZERO PROJECT PRIORITIZATION.  Everything revolves around two annual projects for the real estate agents or whatever the fire-of-the-day is. It's amatuer hour there. Most people don't even have a college degree.

Career growth is mentioned in almost all job descriptions for corporate positions. Unfortunately, career growth is not based on one's background, knowledge, qualifications or ability. It merely depends on if you're part of the right social circle. Positions are often given to uncredentialed and under-qualified relatives and friends, and they are hired without jobs being posted.

Of all departments, Marketing  and PR/Comms likely to be the worst of all. Can't expect much from this team when it's led by someone with very limited experience and often makes decisions based on emotions. Lots of blaming throughout the entire company. 

Management cares only for their personal gain.  Annual reviews were rarely given and always late (by about 5months).

The management is so out dated that they do not believe in remote working.  Even though the data has been accepted for 20yrs that employees with remote work environments create a win-win for the employer - they won't do it. I credit this to the lack of understanding to the lack of college degrees at the sr. management level.

Bonus checks are factored into your total comp, but....as you get closer to the delivery date they always tell you to be grateful for the "gift".  WTF?  A "gift"?!?!  They bring out this 85yr old lady to hand out your "gift" and you have to tell her, "thank you for the gift".  Very weird culture that never changed for the better while I was there.

This review is for people new to the industry if you are not new then this would not apply to you. This is not a bash on KW specifically because it is just the industry in general so it's almost the same anywhere you go and just have to put up with it until you have put enough time in to become experienced. That is that you will have to team up with someone within the office to give them part of your commission as they help you with you first x amount of transactions. I feel the company should train you so this is not a thing but they like to keep their performers happy by getting them more money to keep them around and not jumping ship. This is an industry thing in general. So my advice is to find someone who will train for free or put in the time to train yourself youtube videos etc and try and get out of giving up some of your cut in the beginning. This is what I was able to do, but again this should not be a thing and should be part of the free training that they brag about. 

I did like that my manager/broker was not pushy and was supportive of anything I wanted to do as far as working only certain hours and days and letting me not give my commission to someone at the start for my first x amount of transactions. I also felt that most people were friendly and approachable at mixers/office meet and greets for casual conversation not about work. KW also gives you the highest commission out the gate than most other with no experience. I was able to get a 75/25 split right off the bat which I was not able to get elsewhere and that went up to 80/20 after the first 5 transactions (this depends on the kw office and broker literally the next city over I was offered 60/40 after 3 transactions in which it was 50/50 because they first you to work with someone for your first 3 transactions so shop around with different broker within KW. They do help you get set up with business cards and website free no charge. I also was able to not have to pay a desk or office fee which is also nice.

Keller Williams offices or "market centers" as they call them are all franchised owned. They have a business model and heirarchy model that they follow. If you get hired on a receptionist (Director of First Impressions) or as an Agent Services Coordinator (sometimes called Director of Agent Services) just go in knowing there is really no career path beyond that. There is not really room at all for advancement. The Team Leader in the offices are typically so focused on just recruiting agents instead of building "culture" that is the crutch that KW leans on. Be prepared to be overworked. Expectations are incredibly high for these lowbie jobs and the pay is not at ALL competitive with similar positions. I think as a young person working on staff for KW, I was very disappointed and didn't really realize until after I left the company how brainwashed and how much kool-aid I drank. I was very underpaid, over worked and way under appreciated. Please do your homework before you accept an offer for one of these positions.

As far as becoming a real estate agent goes, I did many new agent orientations and on-boarding. The company focuses on training new agents and on the top 20% of the office. It does not focus on keeping in touch with and retaining what I call the "meat and potatoes" of the market center. Those are the agents that keep the market center afloat. They are what makes the culture. They are forgotten about and not supported like they should be since the KW business model has the Team Leaders focusing on new agents and top-producing agents. 

KW is not a bad company to work for if you are new agent. I suggest getting your training with the company for the first 2 years, then move on to a more serious, SMALL firm that actually cares about their producing, middle agents.

I was associated with KW for nine years.  Great environment for brand new agents, but that's their primary target is new licensees.  I left mainly based on a monetary business decision due to commission splits, exorbitant monthly office bills and additional add on fees.  In metro Atlanta the cap is $18,000 with a 70/30 commission split, then 6% of your 70% split goes to the KW franchise fee. So realistically your commission split is 64-30-6.  My monthly office bills averaged $300 per month and they put all of the administrative work with listing input and contracts on the agent.  There is a high turnover with their team leaders which creates discord within each office. The team leaders focus is on recruiting agents which leaves very little room for broker support.  As a new agent you definitely need broker support.  There is lack of broker support and a push for seasoned agents to grow large sales teams. I didn't get into the business to manage people, I enjoy sales and helping people.  Brand new agents to the business can definitely learn a lot and you do have the ability to be on a team or enroll in a mentorship program. The downside to that is there is a cost associated with all of that. Realistically you end up with about 50% of your commission. Their whole new approach of trying to do everything related with the transaction (ie: Keller Mortgage and their own closing attorneys) is an ethical train wreck waiting to happen.  I don't regret my time at KW because it was a valuable learning experience.  I just wish I had made the switch sooner rather than waiting 9 years.   I chose to go to a large privately owned company with more seasoned agents, full service administrative support, lower fees and better commission splits.

great job and culture. great people. great training. everyone is there to help.management is great.learned alot.A typical day at work involves starting with a team meeting to discuss daily tasks and goals. Throughout the day, I manage responsibilities such as [handling customer inquiries, processing documents, working on projects, etc.]. Collaboration with colleagues is a key part of my day, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

What I Learned
Every day brings new learning experiences. I’ve developed skills in [problem-solving, time management, communication, technical skills, etc.]. Additionally, I’ve gained insights into [company operations, customer service strategies, leadership skills, etc.].

Management
The management team plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting employees. They provide clear expectations, encourage professional growth, and foster a positive work environment. At times, challenges arise, but effective leadership helps navigate them.

Workplace Culture
The workplace culture is [collaborative, fast-paced, supportive, competitive, etc.]. Teamwork is highly valued, and employees are encouraged to contribute ideas. The environment promotes [innovation, inclusivity, employee well-being, etc.].

The Hardest Part of the Job
One of the biggest challenges is [meeting tight deadlines, handling difficult customers, managing a heavy workload, etc.]. However, I’ve learned to adapt by staying organized and seeking support from my team when needed.

The Most Enjoyable Part of the Job
The most rewarding aspect of my job is [helping customers, completing challenging projects, seeing the impact of my work, working with a great team, etc.]. It’s fulfilling to know that my contributions make a difference.

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The KW decorating style of the office is second to none and inviting clients for a meeting reflects very professional on their agents. Depending on how management structures their team, training is abundantly available and highly recommended for new agents. 
There is a strong focus on building a team, which creates business units within the business. This can create competition or rivalry which is not 'in culture' but it happens. Leads and referrals go to preferred agents, which then encourages somewhat of that divide.
Agents are in general hard working and motivated, really approaching real estate as a business. Ideas and strategies are shared through training and presentations. If you are looking for a brokerage where you have an office to go to, interact with other realtors and have a sense of community this is it.
Coaching is a business within the KW business model and can be helpful if you want to be held accountable or are looking to build a team. There are a lot of resources available through corporate, online and large national gatherings.
Technology is one of KW's pride points, however many high producing agents and teams are using external CRM's and lead generation tools. There is not a lot of transparency how each team actually functions, because they are independent contractors and have the ability to market themselves uniquely. They are busy and the community aspect within KW is stronger between individual agents who have time to attend training and want to learn. 
KW is an excellent environment to familiarize yourself with the different stages of the business and pull yourself up to those who show you it can be done!

Started my career as a realtor here. Training was good and they reimbursed me for the initial training class needed to get licensed. They pushed the Idea of a millionaire real estate agent (The book written by Gary Keller). Sounds great right! NOT! They really like teams here. The issues is, the real millionaire agents build a team and then cherry pick the good leads and clients and give the rest to the brand new agents on the team. Now you have inexperience agents trying to convert the toughest leads into sales. Also, they have the new agents spends hours cold calling, sitting in open houses, posting signs, ect. Basically, you end up doing all the work for free because you need to pay your dues to pull your weight as part of the team. When you finally, make a sale after 10 times the work, the team (millionaire agent) takes a significant cut. Although you are called a team, the team doesn't split the earning like they are a team, you only make what you produce and the team(Agent/Owner of the team) takes a big cut of that. Great for a well seasoned agent who wants to build a team by enslaving and burning out new agents. Make sure to really do the math on what they promise. I'm not saying all the teams work this way but many do. I brought this up to the broker and he is well aware of this type of abuse and didn't care. This was the day I left. Even worse I saw an agent/team who would give the new agents a stipend to help them get started until they started making sales/commissions. Sounds great, until you realize you are now in debt to the agent/team and if you leave you still owe the money. One of the few jobs where you could actually end up paying them to work.

An up and coming company who gain their name for profit share and better profit % to the starting agent.
On the other hand, since the company, and so is every single office (managed and owned "separately") doesn't have any over head and obligation to each agent it is very common that more than few are being "forgotten".
And i am not talking about helping out to show how to do things.
I am talking about road blocks submitting deals that the "team leader" lolls the agent to talk to the office manager regards missing signatures or documents that were never asked for. Things that will make the agent feel that the struggle does not end selling/buying houses. 
The real fight is to go over these good-for-nothing shmocks that sit in the office as managment and will not support the team or push the deal to closing. 
Asking them to "make it happen" wouldn't be a thought.
So, other companies offer few $$ less to start with, but since all the office supplies- ads- additional expenses are "on the house", they will make sure to support the agent and push him/her over the hump.

If you read and got here, let me just say that the over done "Keller Williams University" shouldn't make you fall off you chair.
Other offices have some formal guidance.
The rest is motivation over time....and lots of lots of practice.
In the office as well as in the field.

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