How does joining a great brokerage elevate an individual real estate business? Seattle Agent sat down for a Q&A with Dean Jones, CEO and owner of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, for an inside perspective.
Jones will serve as a panelist at the upcoming Accelerate Summit, taking place at the InterContinental Bellevue on March 25.
The theme of the Accelerate Summit is helping agents build stronger, more resilient businesses. From a brokerage perspective, what do the most successful agents have in common right now?
A disciplined growth plan that commits the resources and the best practices with great intention rather than organic pursuits. Hope alone isn’t a strategy.
In a shifting market, what role should a brokerage play in helping agents grow — beyond just providing a brand and office?
Helping agents understand the demand drivers for housing, industry evolution and government policies impacting the market, and lead generation by reading the trendlines before the headlines and fueling content marketing campaigns for deployment that triggers conversations that lead to transactions.
You work closely with many of the region’s top-performing agents. What are the habits or strategies that separate those who continue to thrive from those who struggle in tougher markets?
They double down in challenging markets, knowing that the majority of agents pull back, which further exposes those that lean into the next cycle. Being a confident voice and evidencing success despite the headwinds accrues more market share and more opportunity. Become that trusted advisor that is visible through sales results, social media presence and industry events to be a standout in a crowded sphere of sameness.
For agents attending the Accelerate Summit, what’s one mindset shift that could dramatically improve their business over the next year?
Have the grit to lean in and challenge the status quo. Know you have more in your core to take risks and make moves that you may otherwise be hesitant to, because it’s never a mistake if you’re learning along the way. The only certain mistake is not evolving.
So, whether that’s doing more outreach to your sphere, experimenting with social media, building a referral network, or even making a move to a new brand to exercise advantages, don’t get stuck working in your business when you need to build in the time and strategy to work on your business. You can do it!
The countdown is on for the 2026 Accelerate Summit, a one-day event designed to help Seattle real estate professionals strengthen their business, refine their strategy and prepare for the year ahead.
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty serves as a Platinum Sponsor for the event.