Franchise Opportunities in an Economic Recession

For most real estate brokers, this economic downturn translates to less agents per office, fewer closed transactions and inconsistent income.  This market has left brokers throughout the country tasked with reducing overhead, consolidating staff and offices, and reducing agent support and benefits. 

A new franchised company, Area Pro Realty, has emerged in the face of this recession with an updated business model.  This new business model is geared toward eliminating the hardships real estate brokers experience during down markets. 

Since receiving their Franchise license, Area Pro Realty has sold two franchises, both in Northern California.  Area Pro Realty Peoples Choice and Area Pro Realty Bay Area Villas will both begin operations in December.  Marston Myers, broker owner of Area Pro Realty Peoples Choice claims “I was searching for a franchise that fit my belief that the Real Estate industry is in the middle of a complete, and over due, transformation. I am able to offer Realtors an extraordinary amount of resources to market themselves in addition to incredible turn-key technology”  Marston continues “the technology and support in combination with Area Pro Realty’s unique 100% commission structure will allow my agents (and me) to grow through this down market.”

Area Pro Realty President Michael Volkin claims “We offer a different type of franchise; we have broken away from the traditional mold and operate differently on a number of levels. Everything from our support, to our websites, to our commission structure is completely unique.”

This economic market has spurred independent brokers throughout the country to join with franchisors for their resources, support, and capital.  Gene Ward, Chief Technology Officer for Area Pro Realty claims “Consumers are not just looking for a brand name, but a brand name with quality Realtors who have the resources to market their house and respond to their needs efficiently. What a Realtor wants is a broker who has the resources they need to service their clients.”

Area Pro Realty recently retained Executive Franchise Consulting Company (EFC), ran by President and Founder George Barlow, to assist in identifying candidates that meet their qualifications.  Mr. Barlow says, “We are facing challenges in housing and banking that will shape our future as a nation.  We are also facing challenges in franchise sales and development throughout the real estate Franchising industry.”  Area Pro Realty fills a niche that brokers throughout the country should explore.  Barlow claims, “EFC understands that every franchise offering will not meet the needs of every real estate business owner and not ever business owner will meet the qualifications of every franchisor.  That’s why EFC’s main goal is to assist independent brokerages in matching the brokers needs with their goals.” 

Randy Johnson of Area Pro Realty Bay Area Villas, the newest franchise to join Area Pro Realty, claims “I researched Franchises thoroughly and found that Area Pro Realty had the best business model for weathering through this recession”.