TWO Horsham real estate agencies have benefitted from their decisions to operate independently.
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Wes Davidson Real Estate has operated for 25 years and was associated with a franchise group for the past seven years.
Director Wes Davidson said the business operated under a franchise banner because of a business transaction when the Ballarat company was sold.
With the contract period expiring this month, Mr Davidson believed the business had a strong reputation in Horsham to operate sufficiently under its own name.
“We decided that, from our perspective, we no longer wanted to be part of a franchise group,” he said.
“We no longer have interest in any other real estate offices except Horsham. That's our sole focus.”
Mr Davidson said the franchise group had offered its advantages.
”There were definitely some advantages, such as national awards. We have won plenty including the most outstanding franchise, which has put Horsham itself on the national stage,” he said.
“But every business must evaluate the ongoing cost-benefit ratio of any expenditure going forward.”
We no longer have interest in any other real estate offices except Horsham. That's our sole focus.
- Wes Davidson
After a cost-benefit ratio analysis, he believed the business was capable of operating independently.
While the agency will no longer be associated with a franchise group, he said there would be no change to the business.
“There are no changes to our actual business structure. I remain the sole director and principal. There will not be any staff changes as a result of this move,” he said.
Mr Davidson said from a public point of view, it would be “business as usual”.
“The reality is that we do not plan on going anywhere. We are staying in real estate and in Horsham and we will stick to our own brand going forward,” he said.
“We have had a great reaction to the new logo, which was designed in-house.
“It is business as usual from the public point of view, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes as we have some great ideas, we think, for 2018 and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Gerry Smith and Co Real Estate also made a decision to operate independently when splitting from its marketing group on July 1.
Owner Gerry Smith said the marketing group did not add value to his business. He said everything in business had to have an advantage.
“What was traditionally an advantage to join together with other agents to connect you together was no longer an advantage with the internet available,” he said.
Mr Smith said the change had a positive affect.
“Business is based on local goodwill, which has increased – not decreased – since separating,” he said.