Eileen Blocker, owner/broker of Magnolia Properties, opened her doors in 1996. The office is located at 9086 Cypress Green Drive in Jacksonville's Baymeadows area. The office specializes in residential, property management and some commercial. Magnolia Properties has 130 agents, most of whom work from home.
How do you manage 130 agents?
"We have a great system," says Blocker. "Our web-based transaction management and filing system is very helpful in making it happen. Everything is there that an agent might need from forms, their individual e-fax, the transaction files and service providers. We are now offering each agent a personal website and help them put it together and it links to the management system."
Blocker said she definitely has plans to expand with more agents and more locations if needed.
One office?
The company used to have four offices but consolidated into one 4,500-square-foot office in 2004. Nobody was using the smaller offices so she kept the buildings and leased them.
"We purchased a much larger space and most of our agents are 'virtually' here. We are paperless, web-based, and even our appointments for showings are made virtually."
Many of their agents come in regularly and we have desks and computers for their use. Blocker said some people work more efficiently in an office setting or just enjoy the social aspect.
"We enjoy having them. We don't charge for the use, we enjoy the energy and synergy of the agents when they are here."
Who's in the office?
Blocker runs the office as a three-person team, with Teresa Scoggins and Laura Gage. Scoggins handles most of the office duties and Gage handles the education and training, Blocker does some of both.
"An agent can reach one of us at all times. We three are in the office every day as well. I am very fortunate to have them."
Other key players are Connie McCarter, who is over Property Management, and Matt Blocker, the IT support person. "He keeps things running smoothly and helps the agents when they have computer issues. He is our on-site 'Geek Squad' in residence."
How's business?
"It is great. It is like night and day. Just from last year to this year has been amazing. It seems a lot like what we were doing in 2004." Though lending is still tough to get sometimes, Blocker said it definitely has gotten easier.
Team meetings?
They have team meetings once a month and bring in educational speakers that can shed some light on things the agents need to know. They've had builders come in and do a class on selling new construction as well as information and changes and/or training in all aspects of real estate and the real estate sales process.
"We try to make every meeting worthwhile and valuable."
They also make appointments for individual coaching, training and sometimes, just listening.
Name of company?
Blocker was trying to come up with a name for her company in 1996 and was getting really frustrated. "I went out for a walk because I am and always have been a big walker. As I kept praying and asking for a name, a magnolia fell out of a tree and hit me on the head and that was it."
Type of agents you hire?
They hire new licensees and experienced agents. Their program for new agents helps them become productive in the first couple of months and their lead system is for new and experienced agents if they are looking to grow their business.
Area your office covers?
Their agents come from all over town. The office is close to Interstate 95 so it is easy access for anyone who wants to come in and the virtual office makes it practical to live anywhere and be a "magnolia."
Training?
They have a classroom available two days a week and their web-based virtual office has a calendar with all classes, as well as small group meetings and social events.
"Our small groups meeting frequently for all kinds of discussion or support. Our 'HUD Team' is the best and they offer training to outside agents to assist them to be successful in winning HUD bids monthly."
-by Michele Gillis