5 Easy Ways to Retain ‘Rock Star’ Agents

Ask any successful business owner – brokers especially – about their keys to success. Among the top 5 responses, expect to hear: “my people.” Now more than ever, recruiting top agents is essential for real estate brokers. But, more than that, you have to keep ‘em. 

Here are just a few ways to show them the love and make sure they stay with your brokerage. At the end of the article, we invite you to share your own techniques.

1) Make sure they feel challenged.
Motivated, passionate agents will be focused on growing their professional skills. They’ll only be happy if they feel challenged. To keep them around, find ways to push their limits and help them gain new accomplishments.

Could they be helpful in training other agents? Can they work on improving company-wide systems?

2) Toss in a few perks.
Money is great. We all love money – so it can be a terrific motivator. However, in tight financial times, offering monetary perks isn’t necessarily an option for every broker. If you’re short on dough, consider non-monetary perks you can offer to top producers.

I’m not talking about new cars or a discount gym membership. I’m referring to things like a strong company culture, healthy work-life balance and flexibility.

3) Don’t take them for granted; show your appreciation by praising their good work.
Perhaps there’s a bigger-picture issue here: you should aim to over-communicate with your agents. This, of course, includes showing appreciation when they excel. Smart agents will recognize real praise when they hear it – so be sure to tie your praise to a specific accomplishment.

4) Offer education and training opportunities.
If you’re trying to add value (and thus make your agents “stick”), look no further than education and training. Guide them in their technology choices. Coach them on social media and Internet marketing strategy. If you give them ways to make more sales, you’ll earn their lasting loyalty.

5) Encourage your team to encourage each other.
You can't be "on the spot" all the time. By building camaraderie among your agents and encouraging them to support each other, you're ensuring that your star agents get what they need - even when you can't provide it.

These tips can be helpful. But the key is really to understand each of you agents and to treat them accordingly.

Brokers, how do you retain your top-selling agents? We want to know.