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This blog is not typically a chatty/newsy source for the Santa Fe real estate scene, but I feel it relevant to mention that Keller Williams has now hung out its sign at the former Prudential Santa Fe real estate sales office on Guadalupe and Agua Fria. This interesting and ancient building is seeing old faces depart and new faces arrive as the first effects of the changeover take hold. The former owner of the Prudential offices decided to retire and sell, as I understand it.
If you are not familiar with the Keller Williams name, it is the fastest growing real estate brokerage in the US, so they say, and has taken over the #1 position in market share in many metropolitan areas. Started in Austin, TX in 1983 with the first franchise going live during 1987, it has become a force to be reckoned with. Some may find its agent-centric organization and profit-sharing structure, plus a defined ceiling on agent/company splits, to be an attractive change to the traditional business models. The company is huge on systems, scripts, acronyms and belief statements. And it appears to be working well nationally. Now Santa Fe needs to find room to accommodate the Keller Williams style of real estate office culture. Look for the red signs.
There are some 750 licensed Realtors in the Santa Fe market. Many hang their state-issued sales license at one of the 5 or 6 largest companies. But Santa Fe is also home to a large number of ‘mom and pop’ agencies or solo salesperson agencies. In the Land of Enchantment, one does not have to look far to find someone that wants to go their own direction, despite the mentality of the majority.
I have talked with several of the regional leaders of Keller Williams and am impressed with their organization and their focus. I wish them success!
