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The award-winning franchise giant has announced that franchisee start-ups can now access the company’s facilities for a fraction of the cost of setting up their own office.
The shared office revolution is being embraced by the real estate sector, with Ray White South Australia leading the charge.
The new franchise model is a transitional offering, designed as a gateway for agents preparing to establish their own offices, according to Ray White South Australia CEO Nick George.
“The trouble a lot of businesses have is the cost associated with getting underway, so we looked for a solution to help them get the ball rolling,” Mr George said.
Desks and offices come complete with corporate support, along with a receptionist and full facilities including printing, internet and a suite of training and meeting rooms.
Experienced agent Blake Scholz jumped at the opportunity and, with colleagues Josh Gillespie and Robin Conroy, has opened Ray White Mitcham under the business model.
“We were attracted by the immediacy of it – we left our previous job on Friday and were in Ray White’s office the next week, with listings up on our first day,” Mr Scholz said, adding that the enclosed office has plenty of room for their three-person team.
“It’s been great. There are a lot of logistics you don’t have to deal with and you can hit the ground running,” he said, adding that the corporate receptionist provides an extra level of professionalism.
“The head office support is great – instead of waiting for an email you can just walk around the corner and get all the advice and assistance you need.”
The new business owners plan to stay in the shared space for about six months, allowing them to establish the agency while finding a location for their business, without time pressure.
With the capacity for 30 individuals, the Adelaide set-up includes 15 desks in an open-plan space and five enclosed offices, each allowing three people to work in comfort.
Ray White Corporate is also offering the concept in Darwin, where offices are available for agents who are ready to make the move to this low-cost start-up for business ownership.
Ray White was crowned Major Network of the Year at the 2016 Real Estate Business Awards, partnered by realestate.com.au.
[Related: Role of the real estate office has changed 'dramatically']
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