Is ZipRealty a reputable realtor? any recommendations on realtors for williamson co?

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

You'll know you're interviewing the right agent (talk to at least 3) when they earn your confidence by answering all of your questions without having to "get back to you" or think, ponder or guess.

With one caveat. Nobody - and I mean nobody, probably not even Austin-Steve, shocking as that may be to contemplate - can have the right answer to EVERY question at their fingertips - especially when things change as fast as they do.

I'd rather say, "I don't know, but I know how to find the answer and will" rather than pretend that there's no question that I don't have the answer to. Because I know better, and I know how often I've had someone tell me something that turned out not to be the case after all, because they just couldn't bring themselves to say, "I don't know, but I'll find out for you" and then do it (that last part is very important).

[Wayne S Sullivan]

Zip Realty has changed a lot over the years. I am also interested in finding out how their structure for real estate agents have changed.

[bpvarian]

We used Zip Reality when we moved here in 2009. At that time, we did get money back from the agent... maybe 20% of their commission - I forget. Shortly after we used them, they phased this part of their service out (giving a rebate to the buyer/seller). Both agents that we used with them (we had two agents working for us since we were flying in and sometimes one or both of the agents were busy or out of town) no longer work for Zip.
Their app/website is pretty good.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by bpollard

We used Zip Reality when we moved here in 2009. At that time, we did get money back from the agent... maybe 20% of their commission - I forget. Shortly after we used them, they phased this part of their service out (giving a rebate to the buyer/seller). Both agents that we used with them (we had two agents working for us since we were flying in and sometimes one or both of the agents were busy or out of town) no longer work for Zip.
Their app/website is pretty good.

This happens with a lot of the rebate/discount Brokerage models. The concept looks easy on paper, i.e. "look how much extra money Realtors make, we can offer rebates to buyers and sellers as a lead generation strategy".

Once they start actually trying to meet the monthly budget and retain quality talent, and realize the hidden time/cost impact of the high amount of uncompensated effort (working with buyers who never buy, listings that don't sell), reality sets in and the model is adjusted or goes away. Same thing happened with Redfin, and many, many others.

That said, these models do succeed somewhat in hot seller markets when selling is "easy". But for real estate agents with a long term career goal of making better than average income for their age/education, you need a model that survives soft markets as well, otherwise you go broke and end up substitute teaching or delivering pizza to make ends meet.

Steve

[Wayne S Sullivan]

Originally Posted by Wayne S Sullivan

Zip Realty has changed a lot over the years. I am also interested in finding out how their structure for real estate agents have changed.

I can answer my own question about Zip Realty. The structure for Zip Realty is phenonminal! If you have a sphere of influence, zip realty and their online leads and lead follow up system is very good. The best follow up program that I've seen out of the ones I've used like salesforce, sage and others. If you don't have a sphere of influence Zip Realty gives you quality leads you can easily manage.

I know some will reply with different experiences. But for me I am a people person and I focus on follow up and customer service, timely responses and professionalism. If you are not, some people may not want to work with you. If you have qualities like a top agent then the structure for real estate agents is awesome. I've done my research and am now working for Zip Realty so I can give you first hand information. Thanks again for those that responded to me and helped me make this decision. Wayne S. Sullivan.