REAL ESTATE: Windermere Real Estate on the rise

BOB CARTER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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It's no secret that winning teams tend to attract more winners than losers, people who keep the success cycle spinning. Windermere Real Estate Whatcom fits the axiom.

"Last year, we looked and found that we had added 30 brand-new agents over the last five years," says local Windermere owner Dan Washburn. "And 28 are still here."

The steady retention, even during a national real estate downturn, can be traced, at least in part, to steady growth. "People like to be on a team on the rise," Washburn says.

Job perks
-Paid medical, dental and vision premiums for office staff employees, and 15 percent profit sharing.
-Quarterly events such as outings to Seattle Mariners baseball games.
-Christmas party for agents, staff and families.
-Annual golf tournament for agents and staff.
-Annual community service day during which staff and agents work on a charity project.

Tips for applicants
What the company seeks:
-Clerical hires need good phone skills and some proficiency in different computer programs.
-Agents should be professional, engaging, comfortable in conversation, knowledgeable about the community, skilled in multi-tasking and willing to learn all sides of the business. � Dan Washburn, owner, and Rob Washburn, chief operating officer

Where to find job openings
Nearly all jobs are through referrals, so people interested in working for Windermere would benefit by getting to know someone in the company.

Windermere Real Estate Whatcom Inc.
Bellingham office:
515 W. Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
734-7500
windermerewhatcom.com or windermere.com

Since Washburn bought the business in 1994, agents have increased in number from 25 to 135 (all full-time) and the one office in Bellingham has grown into five, spread around the county. Market share, he says, has jumped from 5-6 percent then to No. 1 now at 32 percent.

Many of the agents, all independent contractors, are in their second careers and arrive with professional experience. A new breed also has emerged: younger, often straight out of college, more comfortable with the Internet and technology, and seeking long-term careers.

The agents first get their licenses, then receive extensive training at Windermere's headquarters in Seattle, including a week-long Pro Start, and finally go through more training sessions locally.

Agents are expected to succeed, and nearly all do.

"With all that training, there's such an investment involved," says Rob Washburn, Dan's son and chief operating officer.

Dan adds, "It's too hard on everybody if someone fails."

With the local real estate market relatively flat since last year, there could be a little more turnover than in the past, perhaps some early retirements. But neither Washburn expects a big drop in business or jobs.

There is an office staff of about 15, with full-time clerical employees earning $12 and up.

First-year agents net anywhere from $25,000 to $75,000, Dan says, with more seasoned agents often earning six figures.

In the first year, agents must sustain themselves financially while waiting for their first paycheck, which usually doesn't come for at least two months.

Most agents come aboard through referrals, frequently from other agents, so Windermere doesn't have to advertise openings.

Agents must be logical thinkers and well-versed in all aspects of the business: marketing, contracts, legal issues, banking and financing.

"They have to really understand real estate," Rob says, adding "they need to be quick learners." That means learning about zoning restrictions, rental issues, investments and styles of construction. That is, just about everything.

Bob Carter is a White Rock, B.C., freelance writer and former editor for The Bellingham Herald.

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