Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Innovations Realty Group.  If you have a question that's not listed here, ask us and we'll add it to the FAQs. 

What is a "Debt Free Company"

A debt free company is one that is created with little or no debt.  Expenses are paid as they are incurred; therefore providing a solid foundation to weather any economic environment. 

Why offer such an innovative program, what's the catch?

Innovations Realty Group was created as a one person business because our Broker felt like all the hard earned money was going to the broker in a disproportionate rate (50/50 or 70/30).  Of course, brokers are in business to make money; however, a real estate company can still be successful without breaking the hard working agent. 

The NO FEE INCREASE FOR LIFE idea is being introduced because we want to be your company for life.  There's always a great amount  of transition in the industry and it usually revolves around commission and fees.  With the current state of the economy, a little financial stability is a breath of fresh air.  Who would have thought gas could go up to and over $4/gal...who knows what it will be in 2 years.  At least with us, you know what your fees will be in 2, 5, 10, or 20 years. 

We're making a commitment to our agents and this guarantee allows us to deliver and not give you the dog and pony show to get you on board. 

What does the monthly fee cover?

Your fee covers FMLS, GAMLS professional email address, broker support and access, online transactions, free online feedback system, continuing education and training opportunities, free 24hr hotline for all listings and more. 

Are there any hidden fees such as administration, franchise, or advertising fees?

There are no hidden fees, administration, technology, no franchise fees.  You are responsible for paying the FMLS transaction fee (0.12%) per side closed.  We are members of Georgia MLS and realize all agents do not need nor want  Georgia MLS. 

We have an online store that you can purchase business cards, name badges, marketing materials, car magnets, directional signs, etc.  Our costs are much lower than most places you can find on your own and the quality is great.  Everything is an optional purchase. 

Who supplies signs and lockboxes?

Agents are responsible for purchasing their own signs.  We use low cost, high quality vendors so you get the most bang for your buck.  We do have a limited number of lockboxes available for your listings on a first come first serve basis.

What are the startup costs to join?

When you decide to join, you will be charged for your first month's fees, business cards, and your name badge if you choose to purchase one.  Additional items purchased from the store are done on your own and paid online. 

What are my financial responsibilities as an agent at Innovations Realty Group?

You are responsible for your personal marketing and advertising and any additional advertising for listings.  You will be responsible to purchase business cards, and an optional name badge.  Any cellphone, company sign, lockbox, internet, automobile, etc. expenses are  your responsibility. 

How am I charged for fees?

We debit your credit card each month  or quarterly, based on your direction when you join the company.  You must provide a credit card for all charges.  You will receive invoices and receipts of payment.  

How do I get paid my commissions?

You will receive your commission via mail or direct deposit once all paperwork has been submitted to the company.  Currently we also allow agents to get paid at closing.  However, there is a detailed process that must be followed for company accountability purposes and to ensure we have a complete file required by the Georgia Real Estate Commission.

Is there continuing education and training?

Yes, we will keep you posted of free training and CE courses available in the Metro Atlanta area and online.  We are very big on education and ensuring that we are always on the cutting edge of real estate/

Are you a member of a local Board of REALTORS?

Yes, we are primary members of Atlanta Board of Realtors.  As we grow, we may join or rejoin additional boards.

Do I have to join a local board of REALTORS?

No, not really.  We would love for agents to be a member of a local board of REALTORS for that extra level of professionalism and benefits REALTORS receive on a local, regional, and national level. However, we understand  the economic climate, the state of the real estate industry, and the financial costs of belonging to a local board of REALTORS. 

Agents that are not members of a local board of REALTORS must take at least four (4) education courses per year, in lieu of membership in a local board.  This ensures that the agent is staying current with the real estate industry.  There are so many FREE educational opportunities locally and online, that this requirement should not be a burden. 

Does Innovations Realty Group have a "real office"?

Yes,  currently we have a "real office" at 1640 Powers Ferry Road Building 8 Suite 105 - Marietta, GA.  However, agents are expected to work virtual.  The office is not staffed nor equipped for agents to use as their working location.  This is one of the main ways we keep our overhead low to pass the savings to you.  Our broker has worked in a 100% virtual setting as a real estate professional and in a corporate environment. 

Am I required to come into the office?

No.  There is no need to come into the office.  We can find better uses of our time and gas money than coming into the office.  Our processes allow agents to do everything they need online through email, webcasts, conference calls, and regular mail .

Do I need to have a computer?

Yes.  To be successful in real estate, there are some tools you need to have to conduct business, especially if you work from home.  We will provide training on how to be the most productive while working from home.  At the very least, you need a laptop (preferred, but a desktop will do), dedicated cell phone, email fax system, and digital camera (for listings).

Can I work full time or part time?

You may work full time or part time.  With the current economic climate, multiple streams of income can be a good thing.  Whether you're part time or full time, we ask that you respect our time and business by communicating with us and staying abreast of the industry and market.

Does Innovations Realty Group supply leads?

We do receive leads. We have a lead distribution process which distributes leads based on your criteria.  If your current business is primarily company generated leads, we are not the company for you unless you have a plan to generate individual business.  You will get all the leads from your listings and marketing. 

How many agents are with Innovations Realty Group?

We have grown to 9 agents and fielding calls/emails daily.

With one broker, how do you plan to support a large number of agents?

When the company was started in 2004, the broker decided not to bring any agents from the old company.  The belief is that you start a business, get  your processes and policies in place, test them out and make sure they work.  The broker's belief of bringing someone into chaos and unchartered territories is a disaster waiting to happen.  How many companies have popped up in the past four years, only to close their doors without notice.

Innovations Realty Group has the documented and tested policies, procedures, technology, and infrastructure to support agents.  The written growth plan allows the company to grow smart and efficiently!  With everything going on in the real estate industry, we felt it necessary to offer innovations to agents by allowing them to secure their future today.   

Why I have never heard of Innovations Realty Group?

If you've never heard of Innovations Realty Group, it's for one of the following reasons:

• The company was a one-person operation (until Q2 2009) and has done so as a debt free company since 2004.
• The broker's business became 100% referral based 6 months after entering real estate. We do not do much advertising.
• The broker is very selective on taking listings and working with clients.  We're not going to waste anyone's time on taking listings that can't sell, just to have sign in the yard. 
  

Why should I join Innovations Realty Group?

If you're the type of agent that is independent, professional, successful, self-motivated and about the business of real estate, we're the right company for you.  If you often find yourself solving problems by "thinking outside the box", then we're the right company for you.  If you're looking for a no-nonsense and professional company where the broker will consider your thoughts, wants, and needs, then we're the right company for you. 

Innovations Realty Group is looking for agents that want more from their careers. Agents that are not "blinded" by the gimmicks and fast talk that sometimes presents itself in this business.  We are straightforward and want everyone to be successful. 

Our broker started this company in 2004 after becoming tired of the where it appeared the industry was going at the time.   Giving up 30-50% of the commission, paying franchise fees, being told that the company commission was 7% and had to be for 120 days.  The lack of technology in real estate, believing that coming into the office every day was good, the industry "professionals" not treating real estate as business...it just got to be too much.  There had to be a better, streamlined way...so Innovations Realty Group was born! 

We realize you have a choice when it comes to choosing a company.  We want to be the right fit for you and want you to be the  right fit for us.    Give us a try...Today is the first day of the rest of your future! 

QUESTIONS FROM AGENTS INTERESTED IN JOINING INNOVATIONS REALTY GROUP

 Below are questions asked by real estate agents interested in joining Innovations Realty Group and our answers.