The Difference

Many may consider a “boutique” firm to cater to high end only, or possibly too small to break into the competitive real estate market. In reality, boutique real estate firms are extremely specialized businesses with a culture centered on customer service and professionalism. As a client of a Boutique Real Estate Firm, you can expect above average representation in any transaction from a quaint condo unit to sprawling estate and everything in between. You will rest assured knowing that not only your Broker but the entire office is working to assist you for a smooth and skilled transaction.

So, what’s better…selling or buying a home through a big, national brand real estate firm or going with a smaller shop? It’s a fair question. Each option offers its own benefits and drawbacks, and what’s right for you might not be right for your neighbor or your best friend. We may be a little biased, of course, but we do think it’s better to go with a boutique real estate firm than a big shop.

Back in the day, Realtors had to work in a central office to exchange information on which listings were available, what their clients were looking for, etc. Obviously, the more agents in an office, the more information could be exchanged. This is no longer the case. The internet – specifically, the online Multiple Listing Service – has given everyone the same access to the same information. Your property will be listed on MLS and shown on major real estate portals like REALTOR.com, Homes.com, Zillow and Trulia and many others.As a matter of fact, you can start your property search right from our site! Often times, boutique firms have a lot more potential to be better and stronger in ways larger competitors can’t. Being more nimble and ready to make change and adapt to trends and customer requests boutique agencies can be used as a competitive edge to connect on a more personal level with customers.It’s no longer a disadvantage to work at a small real estate firm, or even as an independent real estate agent. Innovation and customization happen more quickly. Large companies have more “red tape” and company regulations that restrict the ability of your broker to be innovative. A boutique firm offers instant communication with the company owner, allowing for quick and cutting edge customization in marketing your home. Most marketing is done in house, so your broker won’t need to wait for weeks before your home is represented in the market place.

Maybe you used the same big real estate firm for your last two moves, paying 6% commission rate on each home sale. When you work with one of those agents, that commission rate is likely set in stone, and they may even get a smaller portion of it than an agent/Broker at a smaller firm will (because that big firm has to pay for that big office and that big billboard and those big training classes), meaning they’re stretched thinner and less likely to fight for every dollar on your behalf. Conversely, a smaller firm’s commission structure might be more flexible for favorable to you, as a consumer as well as to the agent/Broker themselves.

Most big real estate agencies have quotas and sales goals like any other large scale business. This kind of pressure can put agents/Brokers under pressure that’s not doing you any favors – making them take on more clients, sell/buy homes quicker, and generally providing a lower level of service to a higher number of customers. At a small shop, agents are more likely to have independence and trust, and they’re less likely to be constrained by quotas. That translates to better service for you, and a more personalized approach to real estate. Support from their office.

The small close-knit group that a boutique firm creates helps to facilitate the needs of each broker and therefore each need of their clients. By choosing a boutique firm you can guarantee that the entire office is dedicated to your best interest. Quality of Quantity. Boutique firms know that each client has different needs. Instead of focusing on the number of homes they purchase or sell, the boutique firm can concentrate on Customer Service. The boutique firm knows that your opinion has a more significant impact than at a larger company, and will strive for your satisfaction. Regarding the marketing of your property, we have the ability to add specific things that will not only enhance your listing, but get you the most value for your asset in the shortest amount of time. Those things include, but are not limited to: custom photos, videos and drone work, individual property websites, etc.

At most big firms, there are a set roster of mortgage brokers, banks, inspectors, and so on that everyone “uses” for their transactions. This kind of “nepotism” can cause both sides to get a little lazy, falling back on habit rather than working in the best interest of the client. At smaller firms, agents are less incentivized to go with the flow and instead are rewarded by working with the best professionals in a number of fields. Not only that, but they feel more responsibility to the small ‘brand’ name than they might to a big box firm, so they’re likely to work even harder to maintain a solid industry reputation. That’s just our two cents! Of course, Anton Agency is a boutique real estate firm that operates in Illinois, Indiana and Florida, so we’re a little partial to the small agency mindset.

Many boutique real estate firms have strong options regarding the rights of their clients, rights of other REALTORS® and their small business. Their primary cause is not to build a business empire, but to be sure their community thrives through home ownership. Your community comes first.

Your community is your boutique firm’s community. Your boutique firm will typically be committed to an economically sound, beautiful and welcoming community because their business only does well if the community does well. Your transaction is always with your agent.

With a focus on customer satisfaction, your representing agent will not give your contract to a closing coordinator. Closing coordinator are typically used by larger brokerages so an agent can begin work with their next client. Our agents will oversee your transaction through from the beginning to the end. No paperwork or important information will be lost in the shuffle, so you can be assure that you are well represented throughout the entire process.

The owner or hiring manager is working to cultivate a small and professional environment, which means only the best and most driven will be selected. At a boutique firm, you can expect each broker to be proficient and dedicated to each client. Vigilant about cultivating the culture and brand of the firm. Unlike a larger company, a Boutique firm has something to prove and doesn’t have a large brand name to use as a source of their worth. Your boutique firm is eager to show their ability to complete with a larger firm.