John L. Scott Real Estate Reviews

Pros

hours are good
employees are good

Cons

management needs improvement to drive sales

Advice to Senior Management

accept criticism

Pros

The technology and support is awesome. Some agents very knowledge of short sales to help distressed homeowners

Cons

Lack of true knowledge as to what is really happening in the houseing industry from 1 of the owners

Advice to Senior Management

To know what is currently happening in the market before you start giving a sales meeting with the wrong advice.

Pros

Extremely supportive. Continuous education. Always a hotline we can call if we have questions. Celebrating our successes is very important to this company. Appreciate the fact that John L. Scott corporate sends their people to our office to present awards, educate and to keep us up to date on what is happening.

Cons

Too busy selling to take advantage of ALL the support classes, etc. that they have to offer! John L. Scott Real Estate creates busy-ness in those who chose to work hard!

Advice to Senior Management

Continue the personal one on one support, education. Extremely proud to work for this company! Very proud that they support so many other entities such as Children's Hospital, etc.

Pros

JLS is a well known real estate company in the Portland and Seattle metro areas with great newspaper advertisement and the easy to use web site.

Cons

1. Not a lot of room for advancement. 2. Should have program where someone getting out of the business but wants to keep there real estate lic. should be able to hang it with the company for the purpose of referrals.

Advice to Senior Management

I see only two reasons why people would consider changing to another company: 1. Price of the desk fee. 2. Changing jobs.

Pros

Compensation was medium/good. Flexible schedule.

Cons

Very poor treatment, borderline emotional abuse. Terrible, terrible, terrible! The owner/broker has a small portfolio and day after day the complaints would roll in one after another.

Advice to Senior Management

There was no leadership, training, or knowledge to provide. The most negative working environment I have ever been exposed to in all my life.

Pros

Excellent website
Tech support in corporate that is knowledgeable, efficient and helpful.
Lots of CRM support for agents.
Good reputation in the Seattle/Puget Sound area.

Cons

Any given agent's experience really depends on the particular broker that is managing his/her office.
There is a disconnect between corporate and local branch offices.
Real estate, as an industry, doesn't tend to use the latest tools to the best effect.
Fairly high split and monthly fees. Sometimes corporate programs are introduced (ex: Win-a-Trip) which are charged monthly to agents and as an agent you have no ability to opt out of these "services" for which I have never seen a tangible benefit.

Advice to Senior Management

It would be helpful if there were more training options and connections between the coporate offices and the agents in the field. Sometimes it feels like we contribute a significant portion of our split to corporate and its difficult to see what we receive in return.

Pros

Opportunity. Good support staff. Good website.

Cons

Company is owned in Washington State, Oregon is given short shrift. Principal broker repeats company line, and when asked to help mediate any dispute, is more interested in avoiding conflict than doing what is right. Even when company was doing well, minimum was spent on keeping furnishings and decor up to date (it is important to have a front office appearance that is at least the equivalent of any other brokerage our clients may have occasion to visit). Very frugal ownership & management, even prior to economic downturn.

Advice to Senior Management

If JLS survives the current meltdown, invest in agents. Make them feel appreciated, and make your branch a place they are proud to bring their clients. Don't charge your agents for training and other essentials of business.

Pros

John L Scott is a great RE company with a lot of talent. There is a lot of support and resources for Realtors. The agents are typically very talented, professional, and successful, and are more than happy to provide support and advice when needed. The legal counsel and contracts are par excellence. Management has an eye on the industry, and keeps its Realtors apprised of any major trends and competitive landscape changes, as well as potential challenges and opportunities. Definitely a cut above the rest!

Cons

The commission split at John L Scott is high (this is typical for 'big name' brokerages).

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work!