{"id":24867,"date":"2025-05-08T13:05:33","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T13:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/?p=24867"},"modified":"2025-05-08T13:05:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T13:05:35","slug":"setting-up-your-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Up Your Office"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re a broker ready for an office, keep in mind your business\u2019s mission and needs when deciding on space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the rent on her office increased, Atlanta-based Karen Hatcher, CEO and broker of Sovereign Realty & Management LLC, decided to buy her own space. Prioritizing convenience, visibility and value, she aimed to find a spot in a central, up-and-coming area with significant car traffic. Since the location would be prime, she knew she\u2019d need to compromise on square footage\u2014she just needed to accommodate her full team for meetings. So, when Hatcher learned a business owner with her ideal space was retiring, she jumped on the opportunity and hasn\u2019t looked back since. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to time and experience, Hatcher knew exactly what she needed. For brokers setting up their offices for the first time, thinking about all the options might seem overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose a Spot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Location matters, even if you’re not investing in a traditional brick and mortar location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decide whether you need an office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all brokerages require a dedicated brick-and-mortar location, though it\u2019s exactly what some need. In today\u2019s remote-friendly work environment, myriad options avail themselves. As a broker, your first task<\/a> is to assess the kind of office space your team needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen an agent or two comes to me and says we need an office, I try to figure out if two people\u2014or 25\u2014want that, so I ask around a bit,\u201d says Jeff Samuels, SVP-Regional Manager of the Northern California region of The Agency. \u201cI ask if we\u2019re missing anything right now and if they\u2019d prefer an office or a few free lunches each week. It\u2019s one or the other,\u201d he continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a compromise that can be ideal if you\u2019re starting out, consider a coworking space, he suggests. \u201cYou can collaborate with people not in your industry and meet potential clients.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on your mission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Know your company\u2019s niche, Samuels advises<\/a>. The Agency is a global luxury boutique brokerage, he explains. So, when setting up an office, he makes sure each decision aligns with those three qualities: luxury, boutique and global. That\u2019s why he knew opening an office in tony and charming downtown Los Altos, Calif., made business sense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weigh visibility versus space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to choose between a smaller office\u2014possibly in a more centralized location\u2014 and a larger office further afield, figuring out which makes most sense for your business. Both types have pros and cons, says Samuels, whose region includes a mix of boutiques and larger spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He explains that a busy downtown street location can serve as a billboard, promoting your brand and helping your team connect with the local community. On the other hand, a larger office could serve as a regional hub and offer ample parking and space for private offices and meeting rooms. The Agency office in Alamo, Calif., embodies this style, and is ideal for hosting larger get-togethers, like regional meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember your mission, as well, and note that a smaller space might work better for your needs. Smaller spaces feel lively and breed collaboration, he adds. One case in point: the 1800-square-foot downtown office he just opened in Berkeley, Calif., has a cafe-style rather than an office-like feel. Vibrant and inspiring, team members pop in and out, rather than working at assigned desks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either way, make sure the location is as central to your agents as possible, urges Alex Platt, broker associate and principal agent at Compass, who just opened the brand\u2019s Delray Beach, Fla., office. \u201cIf they\u2019re 20 or 30 minutes away, they won\u2019t come in if they have an appointment in the other direction,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to accommodate your entire team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When figuring out how much space you need, plan on enough seats for everyone, recommends Platt. \u201cThat\u2019s seats, not desks,\u201d he clarifies. \u201cIt\u2019s very rare<\/a> everyone will come in and work at the same time. You don\u2019t need a desk for every agent, but you do need a large space so that when everyone meets, there\u2019s enough space.\u201d That\u2019s<\/a> why Hatcher insisted on a conference room with enough seating for her entire team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But be economical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t overspend on space, Samuels recommends, noting an overly large office could feel like a ghost town or be financially onerous. To defray your costs, take a cue from Hatcher, who rents out two desks in her office: one to a construction team and the other to a maintenance company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build it Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To optimize the use of your space, make sure you think intentionally about how to use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Include these zones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going for a full-on brick-and-mortar space, plan accordingly to make sure you maximize the use of the square footage. Plan on a reception area, conference room, open workspace, walk-in closet (for swag, signage and brochures), kitchen, bathroom, and printer area plus smaller more private workspaces and, ideally, outdoor space and parking. While Hatcher\u2019s office features a screened-in front porch, The Agency\u2019s Berkeley office includes a backyard. These outdoor areas increase the workspace, enabling agents to take calls without disturbing their colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balance closed and open, fixed and flexible space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aim for open space for collaboration plus closed rooms for concentration and private conversations, suggests Samuels. When it comes to private offices or permanent desks, consider them for office managers or other staffers who work in the office full-time, suggest Hatcher and Platt. Otherwise, since agents rarely work in the office all the time and simultaneously, include ample unassigned \u201cjump\u201d desks and open tables. Distribute these workspaces throughout closed and open areas. That way, when an agent wants to socialize and brainstorm with other agents, they can choose a desk in the bullpen. However, if they\u2019re negotiating over the phone or trying to focus on writing a listing description, they can head to a smaller, quiet room with a door that closes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer amenities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe want to make the office inviting, so people feel at home and want to come in,\u201d says Platt. So, make sure your office is pleasant and comfortable and includes desirable items. Think: a commercial black and white printer stocked with plenty of ink and paper; reliable Wi-Fi, and ample snacks and drinks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Association of REALTORS\u00ae
Reprinted with permission<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a broker ready for an office, keep in mind your business\u2019s mission and needs when deciding on space. When the rent on her office increased, Atlanta-based Karen Hatcher, CEO and broker of Sovereign Realty & Management LLC, decided to buy her own space. Prioritizing convenience, visibility and value, she aimed to find a … <\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,8],"tags":[5,32,4,9],"class_list":["post-24867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-real-estate-tips","tag-anthony-didonato","tag-news","tag-real-estate","tag-tips","item-wrap"],"yoast_head":"\nSetting Up Your Office - Real Estate Agent and Sales in PA - Anthony DiDonato Broomall, Media, Delaware County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908\"},\"headline\":\"Setting Up Your Office\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-08T13:05:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-08T13:05:35+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1073,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908\"},\"keywords\":[\"Anthony DiDonato\",\"News\",\"Real Estate\",\"tips\"],\"articleSection\":[\"News\",\"Real Estate Tips\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/\",\"name\":\"Setting Up Your Office - Real Estate Agent and Sales in PA - Anthony DiDonato Broomall, Media, Delaware County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-08T13:05:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-08T13:05:35+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/setting-up-your-office\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Setting Up Your Office\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/\",\"name\":\"Real Estate Agent and Sales in PA - Anthony DiDonato Broomall, Media, Delaware County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania\",\"description\":\"Properties and Real Estate for Sale\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/anthony-110x150.jpg\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/anthony-110x150.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/anthony-110x150.jpg\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/anthony-110x150.jpg\"},\"description\":\"For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both. Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary. Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that \u201cperfect\u201d property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently. When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting \u2013 or exceeding \u2013 his clients\u2019 expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame. For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania\u2026 call Anthony DiDonato.\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.anthonydidonato.net\\\/wordpress\\\/author\\\/admin\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Setting Up Your Office - Real Estate Agent and Sales in PA - Anthony DiDonato Broomall, Media, Delaware County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/#\/schema\/person\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908"},"headline":"Setting Up Your Office","datePublished":"2025-05-08T13:05:33+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-08T13:05:35+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/"},"wordCount":1073,"publisher":{"@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/#\/schema\/person\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908"},"keywords":["Anthony DiDonato","News","Real Estate","tips"],"articleSection":["News","Real Estate Tips"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/","url":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/","name":"Setting Up Your Office - Real Estate Agent and Sales in PA - Anthony DiDonato Broomall, Media, Delaware County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania","isPartOf":{"@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/#website"},"datePublished":"2025-05-08T13:05:33+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-08T13:05:35+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/setting-up-your-office\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Setting Up Your Office"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/#website","url":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/","name":"Real Estate Agent and Sales in PA - Anthony DiDonato Broomall, Media, Delaware County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania","description":"Properties and Real Estate for Sale","publisher":{"@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/#\/schema\/person\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/#\/schema\/person\/964792b6994e8cc4cbddc36ad4824908","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/anthony-110x150.jpg","url":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/anthony-110x150.jpg","contentUrl":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/anthony-110x150.jpg","caption":"admin"},"logo":{"@id":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/anthony-110x150.jpg"},"description":"For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both. Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary. Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that \u201cperfect\u201d property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently. When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting \u2013 or exceeding \u2013 his clients\u2019 expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame. For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania\u2026 call Anthony DiDonato.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net"],"url":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/author\/admin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24867","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24867"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24868,"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24867\/revisions\/24868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}