Irvine, Calif.-based Realty One Group Inc., the seventh-largest brokerage in the U.S. and also a franchisor, has selected Merrill Corp. to power its digital marketing center.
The deal gives Realty One Group’s 4,500 agents access to customizable, branded business cards, postcards, fliers and brochures they can create and customize for a small fee, and send by email and share on more than 150 social networks for no additional charge.
Each of Realty One Group’s franchises has its own branded account that places the appropriate logo on the marketing piece when the franchisee’s respective agents create one on the platform, said a spokeswoman for the firm.
“We are always looking for unique partnerships and believe Merrill’s eStore offerings will enhance our agents’ branding through high quality and customer service,” said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and founder of Realty ONE Group, in a statement.
In July, Realty One Group, located primarily in California, Arizona and Nevada at the moment, revamped its logo and website in preparation of launching its franchise business — which it started last year and features a unique pay model — nationwide.
Instead of paying royalties or annual fees, Jewgieniew told Inman News when the firm launched its franchise business, all agents pay a flat monthly fee of $100. Of that, $75 goes to the franchisee, and $25 to Realty One Group. There’s also a flat fee of $200 for each transaction, $150 of which goes to the franchisee, and $50 to Realty One Group. Realty One Group also collects $50 for each $500,000 of a transaction.