What is
Keller Williams ®
Gary Keller and Joe Williams founded Keller Williams Realty in October 1983
Keller Williams is a multinational real estate company operating in more than 57 countries, distinguished by its focus on training, technology, and consulting for real estate agents. It is the world's largest real estate company by number of agents and sales volume, offering a global network of professionals for buying and selling properties.
Influential Publications: Gary Keller is the co-author of best-selling books such as "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" and "The ONE Thing," which have become essential guides for thousands of professionals in real estate and other industries, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader.
1. Extensive training and education:
Keller Williams is well known for its comprehensive training programs, including Keller Williams University, Ignite, and MAPS Coaching. This focus on education can be particularly beneficial for new agents, but it also offers ongoing learning for experienced professionals.
2. Agent-centered culture:
The company emphasizes an "agent-centric" approach, meaning they prioritize the success and growth of their agents. Many agents report a supportive, family-like environment where colleagues are encouraged to help each other.
3. Profit Share Program:
Keller Williams offers a unique profit-sharing program where agents can earn passive income by helping the firm grow by attracting new talent. This system incentivizes collaboration rather than competition among agents.
4. Favorable commission divisions (with a cap):
While commission splits vary, Keller Williams generally offers competitive splits, often starting around 70/30 in favor of the agent. A significant advantage is the annual cap on what agents pay to the market center; once an agent reaches this cap, they retain 100% of their commissions for the remainder of their anniversary year.
5. Robust technology platform (KW Command):
Keller Williams has invested heavily in its technology, including KW Command, an integrated suite of tools designed to help agents with lead generation, customer management, marketing, and more.
6. Strong coaching and mentoring:
Many offices offer dedicated coaching and mentoring programs, which can be invaluable for agents looking to develop their skills and build their businesses.
7. Teamwork and collaboration:
The company's interdependent model encourages teamwork, with agents often working together and sharing knowledge, rather than being in direct competition.
8. Wide availability and brand recognition:
As one of the world's largest real estate organizations, Keller Williams offers a vast network and strong brand recognition, which can be beneficial for referrals and customer trust.
9. Agent Leadership Council (ALC):
The ALC, made up of the best agents from each office, gives agents a voice in how their market center is managed, contributing to growth policies and strategies.
10. Focus on wealth creation:
Beyond commissions, the Keller Williams model is designed to help agents build long-term wealth through profit sharing and other opportunities, encouraging agents to think of their real estate career as a business.
The Era of Technology and Innovation (2017 onwards)
In a bold move, Gary Keller announced in 2017 that Keller Williams was, at its core, a technology company. This shift in focus has led to significant achievements:
• Development of Proprietary Platforms: They invested heavily in technology to create platforms such as KW Command (a comprehensive CRM system for agents) and Kelle (an AI assistant). These tools aim to centralize agent operations, allowing them to manage contacts, marketing, and transactions more efficiently.
• Recognition as Innovators: They have been recognized by publications such as Fast Company Magazine as one of the most innovative real estate companies, and have received awards for their use of AI and machine learning in the industry.
• Cultural and Philanthropic Impact: Beyond the numbers, Keller Williams has fostered a culture of support and contribution. Its RED Day (Renew, Energize, and Donate) initiative, where agents close their offices for a day to perform volunteer work in their local communities, is an example of its social commitment and has received numerous philanthropic awards.
In summary, Keller Williams' story is one of disruption, agent-driven growth, an unwavering commitment to training, and a bold foray into technological leadership, which has cemented them as one of the most influential forces in the real estate industry globally.