The positive impact of more self-employed agents and brokerages

The rise of self-employed estate agents shows no signs of slowing down.

My company, Hortons, has been a brokerage since 2016, making us one of the very first in the country. We’ve seen the ups and downs of the market, the pros and cons of the model, and, most importantly, how to make this model work long-term - for both the brokerage and our agents.

In the past few years, there’s been a significant increase in the number of brokerages for self-employed agents, with both new dedicated brokerages and traditional agencies adopting this model to keep up with the shift.

I think it’s one of the best things to happen to the industry.

Why?

Self-employment is tough. To be a successful self-employed estate agent - and to stick with it long-term - takes real talent, hard work, and dedication. It’s a brutal meritocracy, and agents who thrive offer clients an exceptional level of service, are consistent with all aspects of their marketing and mostly importantly, have an indefatigable work ethic.

This is fundamentally different from the traditional model. While there are many excellent high street agents, the traditional model can allow for more foul play. A traditional agency acts as a machine, providing a service to the client, with each employee acting a cog. A self-employed agent, however, is completely accountable to their clients - there’s no one else to point the finger at. An agent with low morals and a poor work ethic won’t last long in this model, whereas, in a traditional employed role, those types of people can cling on to their role. 

The increase in new brokerage options is also positive. Not every agent fits every brokerage. It’s essential for agents to find a ‘home’ - a brand that genuinely represents their values and priorities.

Some agents may be looking for a brand they want to be associated with; others may want straightforward access to the portals. Whatever an agent seeks, there’s likely an option that suits them.

If you’re considering going self-employed, I highly recommend researching brokerages to find the one best suited to you.

For those contemplating that move, here’s an insight into how we work at Hortons:

At Hortons, we’re actively recruiting new partners. But we’re selective - we seek agents who understand the power of branding, who want to be associated with the best agents, and who are career-focused - those who want to hone their craft and be known for being the best.

We pay a flat rate of 75% commission and provide access to a range of cutting-edge software—everything needed to run your business daily.

You’ll have the support, tools, and training to build your personal brand, with the backing of a modern, sophisticated brand that buyers and sellers love. Our unified brand and collective strength enhance brand awareness across territories, helping you build a reputation faster.

Each of our agents, known as Partners, has an exclusive postcode territory, giving peace of mind that other Hortons agents are there to support, not compete with, them.

Every new lead is picked up, qualified, and assigned to our agents, providing extra support when they’re not at their desks.

Most importantly, you’ll be part of a thriving community of agents, all on the same journey and invested in each other’s success.

It’s not just about the highlights though. A brokerage can make the administration of your own business much smoother; it has to be reliable and truly care about your success. What goes on behind the scenes really matters.

If we sound like your kind of people, and you’re considering your options, please reach out to me at adam@hortons.co.