Saturday, August 26, 2017

Why Your Employees Need A Real Estate Policies And Procedures Manual And Management Guides

By Sarah King


The most successful companies have standard set rules and regulations for employees and managers that clearly outline exactly what is expected of them. When new people are hired into the company, they should receive packages with the information and be instructed to read them thoroughly. If you own a realty business, and don't have set rules and regulations for salespeople and staff, you can purchase a suggested real estate policies and procedures manual and management guides that are readily available online.

Although you can choose to create your own policies and procedures manual, professionals have vetted the online versions to ensure the information is comprehensive and adheres to current laws. It is certainly possible to tailor the manuals for your particular business. Companies who work with salaried staff and independent contractors especially need to put company policy in writing.

The packages you purchase are normally divided into sections, many in loose leaf binders that make it easy to add pages and remove others that don't apply to your business. Many owners find the manuals that are written in bullet form or numbered points instead of wordy paragraphs are more efficient and effective. They all cover a wide range of real estate topics.

These topics are wide ranging and include such things as antitrust laws in real estate. This is a subject every employee should read and clearly understand. It is imperative that no employee or salesperson suggest that your company's commission structure meets local standards or that your commissions are set according to area standards. If a potential client complains to the real estate board, your company will suffer fines and penalties.

The principle Broker makes decisions when it comes to the percentage the company charges clients. Everyone needs to understand what the policy is and know they are not allowed to deviate from that without the express permission of the Broker. Some companies reduce commissions when a sale price reaches a certain level. Some offer lower commissions on commercial properties and higher ones on residential properties.

Dress codes can be tricky especially if you have young employees who think they have the right to express their individuality through dress, hair style, or makeup. Since salespeople are independent contractors, and not technically employees, they may believe the dress codes you set don't apply to them. While they are working, these individuals are representing your company and their appearance is an important part of that.

Most salespeople hate to make cold calls or service calls to their current clients. If it is your policy that salespeople keep in regular contact with the clients whose property they have listed, your manual should say so. Managers who require salespeople to set aside a certain amount of time on the phone with potential clients should specify the particulars in writing.

Employees are more productive and satisfied when they clearly understand what management expects. Putting it in writing and making the policies available to everyone will leave no room for doubt. When changes and amendments are made to company policy, everyone should be aware of it and given written copies.




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