Owning a real estate brokerage has its challenges and its advantages. But finding the right franchise to join can be the difference between running your business—and it running you.
We recently sat down with Robert Saunders, broker-owner of Weichert, Realtors® – Preferred in Palm Desert, CA, who joined the Weichert family only six months ago and is already reaping the benefits.
We’re thrilled to have him on board and loved hearing about his experiences so far with Weichert, his perspectives on managing a family business alongside his wife, Maria Richards, and how they balance it all.
Owner Q&A: Leveraging strength from their franchisor and each other
How long have you been part of the ?
Six months.
How has joining the Weichert family strengthened your business?
It’s only been [a few] months, but we believe Weichert’s core business values align with ours. The technology platform Weichert uses will help us grow our business.
How has owning and managing a brokerage as a married couple helped strengthen your business?
With Maria and I both being owners, we can divide up the tasks and assign them to the one best suited to complete each task. As owners we take pride in how our agency is run.
How do you balance the responsibilities of owning and managing a brokerage with your everyday personal life?
At times it can be challenging, we have been working together for over 15 years and always set aside personal time without bringing in work—our fun time together, travel, date night, and family time with the kids.
What’s one piece of advice you have for other brokers to remain successful and ahead of trends during this intensified real estate market?
Stay educated on every trend and what is happening in the market. Use the tools Weichert has from all the feedback they get from their brokers.
What is the best thing about running a brokerage with your spouse? What are the challenges?
We can control our future growth and have the ability to sell our brokerage when we are ready to retire. We both have the same goals. It can be challenging spending both work and home time together. We try to have good communication and respect each other’s opinion. Each one of us has our strengths and it helps to keep our business running. One opinion or task is not more important than the others. It takes both to get everything done.
How has Weichert helped set your business apart from other brokerages (i.e., digital marketing strategies, tools, resources)?
As stated, we have only been with Weichert for a few months, but we feel everything that was presented to us when we were looking at franchises, Weichert has followed through on every commitment. We felt that in the technology platform, marketing tools, resources, support in getting up and running with the new franchise brand, and everyone only seems to be a phone call away.
Growing a brokerage comes with a lot of responsibility. But with Weichert, you never have to go it alone. We help brokers reach their full potential with people-first support, a cutting-edge technology platform, and the right tools to provide the best service for their customers.
The resources and benefits of affiliating with Weichert are undeniable. Get in touch to learn more about the technology, tools, and support that brokers like Robert leverage every day.
