If you are looking to establish yourself as an independent estate agency, you are certainly already familiar with the franchise system. This model is based on a partnership between a major Belgian estate agency, known as the franchisor, and an independent estate agency, the franchisee. But it is not enough for the franchisee to be interested in the franchise to be able to join. To do so, the franchisee must match the profile sought by the brand. Although this may vary depending on the franchisor, a general profile can be identified. Here, you will find all there is to know about the profile needed to become a Belgian licence partner.
The franchise is a model based on an economic collaboration between a major brand and an independent estate agency. As a franchisee, special qualities and skills are needed. Having knowledge in the estate agency sector is of course an advantage. However, it is not an obligation for some franchisors, who advocate experience in business or entrepreneurship in Belgium.
The classic age range for entering the franchise is someone in their forties, because that’s when, with their experience, many are looking to start their own business. But people in their thirties are not necessarily left out, especially if they already have managerial knowledge. In accepting them, they can benefit from the dynamism of this age group. However, the over-50s are, of course, not excluded in the case of the estate agency franchise, as being an estate agent is not a very physical occupation.
As an estate agency franchisee, having a sense of human relationships is paramount. You will need good communication and negotiation skills to know how to manage and support your client. Compared to other sectors of the franchise, the Belgian estate agency business requires going to the customer to understand their expectations and identify their needs.
But you will also need to know how to manage your employees. As a franchisee entrepreneur, you will have to manage your own estate agency, which involves, at a certain point, managing a team made up of different profiles. As a good manager, you will need to coach, motivate and create a shared objective of the company. In this case too, emotional intelligence is a key skill for your future agency.
In Belgium, the franchise has become popular in many sectors, such as food, distribution and many others. According to the concept, the franchisee must be both business-like (sales prospects...) and a salesperson (sense of service, customer contact). In the case of an estate agency, which is a service-based business, you will have to be in contact with the customer, accompany them and listen to them. Added to this is a "network" spirit. As a franchisee, you will be in contact with other members of the network, which means, among other things, being aware of the latest developments in the market. In addition, it is important not to treat the customer as just a means to an end, but also as a rich source of ideas needed to improve your concept.
One final quality you must bring to your franchise is to be able to invest in your business. An initial contribution is always required to set up a franchised estate agency. Since the amount of the initial contribution depends on your licensing partner, it is advisable to ask the franchisors in advance.
Here is the profile of a franchise estate agent. Does this profile look like you? Even if it does not correspond to you in every respect, remember that the profile sought by the franchisors in Belgium varies, you may find a business that fits you perfectly. Engel & Völkers is looking for new licence partners in Belgium. Our concept is internationally recognised and is perfectly suited, even if you have no estate agency experience. You can find more information on our website.
https://www.engelvoelkers.com/en-be/belgium/franchise-in-belgium/