Launching change in a brokerage Standing on the ocean’s edge just after dark in New Smyrna Beach, Florida earlier this year, I witnessed an amazing event as SpaceX launched Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center 40-miles to the south. The three engines, with thrust equaling eighteen 747 aircraft, propelled the huge Read more…
What’s the real driver of value in a brokerage? “Why would I sell if I was making that kind of money,” he asked dismissively. The broker wanted to discuss selling his brokerage and cashing out. He had just voiced his thoughts on its value, and he had a really big number in Read more…
The real estate pendulum swings again Galileo was inside the Pisa cathedral in Tuscany, Italy in the early 17th century when he observed the regular back and forth movement of a lamp hanging from the ceiling. Watching the swinging, he noticed the movement was constant and predictable, ultimately leading to his law Read more…
What’s my brokerage worth? “Gambling is not about how well you play the games; it’s really about how well you handle your money,” says the old gamer’s axiom. Real estate brokers have enjoyed a good run for several years and in the changing climate, many are looking to take some Read more…
There’s a dirty little secret in the world of real estate brokerages that few people talk about. It’s a disturbing trend that we’re seeing more frequently in small and mid-sized firms: Many brokerages today are just not very profitable. In 35+ years, I’ve looked at 1,000’s of financial statements. What Read more…
J. P. Morgan, the famous Wall Street banker and financier, was a driving force behind the wave of business growth in the U.S. in the early 20th century. However, he could have easily been describing the real estate market of 100+ years later when he said, “the first step towards Read more…