EXIT Realty Charleston Group
As Charleston becomse an increasingly desired destination to call home, more and more real estate companies are cropping up in the Lowcountry. As an independently-owned and operated franchise of EXIT Realty Internation Corp., EXIT Realty Charleston Group, a full-service real estate agency, has not been lost in the shuffle and instead has become a well-respected name in this very competitive market.
From its business model to its unusual name, this company is an original that strives to stand out from the crowd. As of May of 2006 EXIT Realty Corp. International has grown to more than 25,000 agents and nearly 875 franchises in the United States and Canada in 8 years 33 of which are in the Carolinas. EXIT Realty Charleston Group's philosophy and business model are based on the unique formula developed by EXIT International's chief executive officer and founder, Steve Morris. This model rewards agents for helping the company grow by paying single-level residuals based on the sales of new agents they bring into the company.
"These benefits continue even after they stop working, and upon their death, go to their named beneficiary-so long as the sponsored agent continues to make sales," say Ann Essig-Marconi, co-owner. "such benefits are unheard of in this industy and are an amazing draw for agents who want to look beyond tomorrow."
This unique concept helps to create a rare culture of community, instead of competition, among agents. EXIT also provides means for agents to participate in a group health and 401(k) plan.
This out-of-the-box thinking seems to be working. The company is opening an office in Goose Creek this year, its fifth local office to open in five years, and has grown to more than 140 REALTORS. However, the folks at EXIT Realty Charleston Group aren't hung up on the numbers like so many real estate agencies.
"Let the other guys duke it out over who sold the most last year," says Kathy Jordan-Rawers, co-owner. "While they're waging their little battle of boasting, we're focusing on the customers and earning their business in the process."
Marconi and Rawers believe this customer-centered approach is also a key to their success. The pair maintains a "open-door, open-phone" policy for agents and customers, and the company offers a range of services to meet customer needs, including buying, selling, mortgages and property management.
They also require a strict adherence to the National Association of Realtos Code of Ethics and only emply full-time dedicated agents. Agents also receive a higher percentage of the commission than many other real estate companies. "This removes the conflict of interest, allowing our agents to truly look out for the best interest of our customers," Marconi says.
"It is so simple," Rawers says. "We are providing the highest level of service to our clients with honesty and integrity while building a good place to work for our agents- a proven formula for success."
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