simpliHŌM Policies and Procedures
Introduction To simpliHŌM Policies and Procedures.
Brett Ratkowski
Last Update há 2 anos
Welcome to simpliHŌM! Within this document you will find the policies
and procedures that we use to bring simplicity to our operations,
systems, processes, and more.
Core Values
1.People First, Always
2.Generosity and Humility are Priority
3.Convenience is the Future
4.REALationship is the Focus
Message from the CEO
1.I am SUPER excited you have partnered with our simpliHŌM
Family!
The mission and vision behind this company started with my real estate
story, which you may have heard.
I started my real estate career at a small local company in Murfreesboro,
TN. I sold around 11 houses in my first 3-4 months before realizing the
broker/owner and I weren't meant to work together. I moved my license
to a firm that paid nearly 100% commission because I thought I had the
business figured out- LOL. After only making $7,000 over 6 months, I
told my wife maybe I wasn't meant to be in real estate and didn't have
what it took to be successful. I was defeated.
As a last-ditch effort, I made a change and joined another company. I
received mentorship from a top real estate coach (3rd party) who guided
me to the fact that I was spending my time on all of the wrong things. I
was too busy trying to be who I am today instead of being who I needed
to be in the moment. I made corrections, and in the next 6 months, I
made $150,000. As I continued to grow my business and started building
my team, I began to see the challenges we all face and the sacrifices we
must make to earn a significant income. In my final year with that
company before launching HŌMGROUP (now simpliHŌM), I sold $13M
in real estate and realized that these sacrifices don't make sense for
people. I wasn't able to tuck my kids into bed at night, because I was too
busy on the phone with clients, finishing paperwork, coordinating my
closings, etc. It was that moment of realization that built the foundation of
our business today.
Our focus has become simple. Provide the opportunity and support
platform for all Agents to be able to achieve the financial goals they
desire without sacrificing the more important things in life. To simpliLIVE,
to simpliDISCOVER, to spend time with FAMILY or whatever is most
important to you in your life. We are focused on giving you your time
back without taking all of your money in the process.
Simplicity is the key to brilliance, and it is the key to our success. All of
our tools, software, systems, processes, etc. are designed with simplicity
in mind. We believe in transparent communication within our
organization. If you have any issues or ideas on how to make us better,
please let me know directly at sean@simpliHŌM.com.
Looking forward to seeing your success,
Sean Miku
Agency
simpliHŌM agency policy encourages the practice of selling real estate
while representing Buyers and Sellers by means of agency agreement
and disclosures (i.e. Seller and Buyer representation forms along with
company and local documents and disclosures). All Documents must
comply with all local and state real estate laws and in accordance to
NAR and related association guidelines.
Agent Availability
Agents shall make themselves available based on the times that work for
them, as well as their clients in order to accomplish real estate matters in
a timely and effective manner.
Antitrust
ALL associates (Realtor/Employee/Management) must never discuss
commission policies of simpliHŌM with any
(Realtor/Employee/Management) of competing firms. Doing so could be
taken as agreements or as a conspiracy to fix, establish pricing, or
otherwise restrain competition in violation of state and federal antitrust
laws. (Sherman AntiTrust Act)
Appointments
Any Agent appointments with Brokers/Staff should be set within local
staffed office hours.
Base Broker Fee or 5 Year Document Storage Fee
These two titles are interchangeable and describe the same fee;
however, we want to clarify how it works.
This fee is collected on ALL transactions, regardless of compensation
plan, including any personal transactions.
If an unrepresented buyer or seller is involved in the transaction, you will
be billed in accordance with how many commissions you are collecting.
If you are collecting more than 3% you will be billed twice for the $299,
and you are allowed to bill this charge to the clients, regardless of
the Agency Status with the client.
Branding Guidelines
1.Unless Agent has express permission on a design different than
those provided by simpliHŌM, Agent will use a simpliHŌM
approved designs on any signs, cards, or socials in accordance to
2.Business Cards will have the following identifying information on
the Cards:
1.Agent's Name as Licensed
2.Agent's Title
1.Agent Title may also list a professional designation as
recognized by the National Association of REALTORS
1.CRS, ABR, ePro, etc.
3.simpliHŌM provided email address
1.This email address may be either a simpliHŌM.com
email address or a locally based email address such as
4.Agent's Direct Phone Number
1.Direct Cell or Other Line which connects directly to
Agent
5.simpliHŌM Provided 800#: (855) 85-MYHŌM
3.Additional Items which may be included on the front of business
cards
1.Social Links
2.Personal Business Website or Blog
4.In addition to these simpliHŌM guidelines above, all state and local
rules and guidelines including state real estate commissions, NAR,
local and state associations, must be adhered to in all publicly
available marketing efforts defined as “advertising”.
Broker
1.Broker to be available as reasonably expected on an as needed
basis, 7 days a week, with a standard response time of less than 2
hours during normal business hours.
2.Broker Availability on Nights/Weekends/Holidays to be a standard
understood response time of no more than 4 hours.
3.If an Agent has a Team Leader, Mentor, etc., that Agent should
check with that person prior to contacting their Managing Broker.
4.Unless a matter is urgent (time sensitive) and an Agent is unable to
reach their Broker of Record within 1 business day, you may
contact the Broker of Record at another office location within the
same state and MLS area.
Change in Name, Address and Phone Numbers
All Employees and Agents are responsible for updating Human
Resources with changes in legal name, primary address, phone number,
and any other personal information that affects 1099 and/or W2 status.
Commissions: Offset for Expenses
1.Payments for commission will be paid by the Company only after
escrow has closed and all required documents are in the file and
reviewed by Management. If the Company’s Client Services
Department receives the deal via the “Submit My Deal” button
within 24 hours of binding agreement, the Company will notify title
to wire the commission proceeds to simpliHŌM and the Company
will disburse funds to the Agent immediately after funding using
instant pay.
2.Payments to the REALTOR Associate will be on a commission
basis only per the Agents compensation plan.
3.Commissions due to the Company cannot be deferred without the
express written permission of Management.
1.If a commission is deferred, the payments of any commission
to the REALTOR Associate will not be made until all funds
are received and any costs of collection paid.
2.Decisions to take legal action to collect fees due shall rest
solely with Management. Expenses of collection shall be
deducted from the total amount recovered and the balance
paid to the REALTOR Associate in accordance with the
Schedule of Commissions.
3.It is understood, however, that if an arbitration hearing or
lawsuit is lost, the REALTOR Associates involved will share in
all expenses connected with the proceeding, including any
award of commission, in the same proportion as they shared
in the commission at closing.
4.Master File Closing Instructions – All transactions submitted
through HOMHQ “submit my deal” button will be reviewed to make
sure that all documents are within compliance and all disclosures
have been submitted. The file will be reviewed and approved by
the closing department and accounting notified to disburse
commissions.
Commissions: Payment to Agents
Every effort will be made by Management and Accounting to timely
process the paperwork that you turn in using the submission guidelines
in order to disburse commissions to the Agent as soon as possible after
the accounting department receives the commission money after
closing. Disbursement cannot occur until all paperwork has been
processed approved.
Conduct: Professionalism in the Office
Agents/Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a
Professional and Ethical manner, and is not limited to cooperation in
Dress Code, Actions, and Speech.
Confidentiality
Confidential Information is all information that the client directs to be kept
confidential, that if disclosed would have an adverse effect on the client’s
position or that is required by NAR Code of Ethics and Standards to be
kept confidential.
Discrimination & Fair Housing
NAR along with simpliHŌM opposes discrimination in housing based on
race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation,
more information and availability.
3.As an independent contractor, REALTOR Associates are required
to pay their own withholding taxes, social security taxes and any
other deductions required by State or Federal Law.
4.REALTOR Associates are reminded that the Broker is responsible
for their authorized acts. It is our belief that if REALTOR Associates
adhere carefully to the following guidelines, the Broker will never
have occasion to appear before the Real Estate Commission on
their behalf.
Lead Distribution
simpliHŌM provides Company-generated leads, which are distributed on
a round-robin basis through kvCORE. Agents are expected to follow up
on Company leads as they would their own clients. If simpliHŌM
determines that an Agent has neglected a lead, the Company reserves
the right to redistribute the lead through the system. Leads will be paid
out after closing in accordance with the commission plan that the Agent
is enrolled in.
Legal Assistance
simpliHŌM provides legal assistance to our agents through our in-house
counsel for situations that are beyond a broker's responsibility. In the
event, you utilize the legal team for legal action against a client and a
judgement is collected, you will owe simpliHŌM a 30% split for the legal
team and efforts surrounding the recovery of the judgement.
Listings
In the event the agent receives a listing that is discounted below a 3%
commission, Company share shall be calculated at a minimum of $2500
GCI. In the event an Agent lists a low-priced property at a 3%
commission, Company share shall be calculated without the minimum.
Multiple Listing Service "MLS"
1.Every licensed Agent within simpliHŌM must be associated with
the Multiple Listing Service in their area and follow the rules and
regulations set forth by the Multiple Listing Service they are a
member of (i.e. never share login information, advertising, listing
and selling rules, Agent/broker responsibilities, compensation
between cooperating brokers, clear cooperation,etc).
2.Rules and Guidelines are laid out during association membership
orientation, and are updated regularly.
3.Agents are responsible for their continuing education on MLS
items.
4.Any questions an Agent has pertaining to the MLS may be brought
to their Broker for further clarification.
Office: Equipment, Supplies, Mail
1.simpliHŌM pays for many online resources to support the business
of the Agent. Please do not abuse any of these facilities. The
services provided are being provided as a service to you as an
Agent and to make the business smoother for all Agents, your
clients, and staff involved.
2.Resources provided include, but are not limited to:
1.HOMHQ
2.Contract-to-Close Services
3.KvCORE
4.Dotloop
5.BrokerSumo
6.PreClose
7.Workplace by Facebook
8.Smartzip/Reach 150
9.SISU
10.Optimized Real Estate Training
11.Trainual
12.Google Apps
3.simpliHŌM provides workspaces, conference rooms, printers, and
various office supplies in the physical office locations. These
spaces and resources are at your use on a first-come, first-serve
basis, and conference rooms may be reserved in advance using
HŌMHQ.com, then click Book Conference Room. Conference
Rooms can be booked in 1-hour increments.
Office: Housekeeping
simpliHŌM takes pride in fostering a productive, energetic, safe and
welcoming environment, available 24/7 in all of our locations. Offices are
kept tidy while they are manned by staff, and are expected to be
maintained by all Agents, as well.
Organization of the Sales Agent
Keep a transaction log of all appointments, telephone conversations,
emails and other communication related to your real estate practice both
for tax purposes as well as for any potential legal matters in the future.
As much as possible, use the company provided facilities, KvCORE,
Dotloop, PreClose, and Google Apps to keep track of all the above
information. These systems have large amounts of online storage so
you are able to keep conversations, emails, and documents
inexpensively and virtually indefinitely. Most of this is automatically done
for you.
Orientation: Welcome to simpliHŌM
1.Orientation is held in person each month, and may be held more
frequently based on recruitment trends. It is highly recommended
to attend this training as soon as possible, and may be attended
more than once at the Agent’s discretion.
2.Orientation is a half day session, and will cover software, payroll,
email, signatures, leads, transaction management, immersive
technology, and a Q&A session to get an Agent up and running,
successfully.
3.Orientation may be a requirement for specific recruitment bonuses.
Partner Plan
For any Agent participating in the Partner Plan, we have specific
guidelines to follow to protect the Company investment in the Agent.
Should an Agent choose to leave the Company, or change
compensation plans within the Company, the Agent will be required to
reimburse the Company for all expenses paid on the Agent's behalf, in
full, (i.e. Association Dues, MLS Subscription Fees, Signs, etc) unless
the Agent has closed 3 transactions with the Company while on the
Partner Plan.
Should the Agent choose to leave the Company without paying the
required reimbursement, per the rule above, the fees will be initially
attempted to be recovered through a Promissory Note Agreement
between the Agent and the Company.
Should the Agent fail to agree to a Promissory Note Agreement within 7
business days of leaving the Company, the Company will turnover the
fees to a Collection Agency for recovery who will pursue the debt to the
fullest extent of the law, including but not limited to
judgements/garnishments/etc.
Our objective of the Partner Plan is to help Agents with expenses so
they can focus on finding success and then graduate to the Entrepreneur
Plan.
Personal Listings & Purchases
1.As an Agent of simpliHŌM, Personal Listings and Purchases are
permitted and must follow all the standards and practices outlined
within this policy and procedures manual.
2.All personal listings and purchases must have accompanying
paperwork and signatures for simpliHŌM compliance, local real
estate commission requirements, and MLS guidelines.
3.All personal listings must be listed with “Owner/Agent” designation
4.All personal purchases and listings must include the “Personal
Interest Disclosure”
5.All simpliHŌM Agents are allowed one (1) personal property sale
without being charged company revenue on a commission.
6.The $299 Base Broker Fee will be collected on all deals, including
the 1 personal transaction.
Property Management: Rentals
Property management is not currently allowed at simpliHŌM.
Recruiting
Bonuses are paid out to a simpliHŌM Agent by recruiting their fellow
REALTORS® to join us at simpliHŌM. The bonus payout amount will
depend upon the level of experience of the recruit, may require the
recruit to be fully onboarded and having attended New Agent
Orientation, and may include the recruit to have closed transactions with
simpliHŌM prior to bonus being paid.
Requirements will be clearly laid out in Company communications, and
may vary depending on your location.
sooner a deal is submitted in the process, the better. An Agent has
the option to utilize Contract to Close Coordination after this point,
but are never required to do so.
3.Client Success Coordinators will follow the Contract to Close
assigned workflows within Preclose.
Sexual Harassment
1.simpliHŌM has a zero-tolerance policy in regard to sexual
harassment. simpliHŌM does not tolerate any form of harassment
related to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, citizenship
status, disability, sexual orientation, or handicap. Harassment
includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
verbal, graphic, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Each case
is subject to investigation by upper management and a third party
as needed.
2.To file a sexual harassment claim, please email
assistance@simpliHŌM.com to report the incident.
3.Violation of this policy will subject the offender to appropriate
disciplinary action, up to and including immediate release and
banishment from all simpliHŌM offices.
4.An Agent filing a complaint will receive a formal written conclusion
upon the end of the investigation.
Signs & Lockboxes
1.Signs, frames, riders, falcon flags, etc. are offered at a discounted
rate through a simpliHŌM vendor, which should be ordered
through HŌMHQ.com, then click on Order Signs. When new items
are offered, they will be uploaded to the portal. Agents will be
notified when the order is placed and completed, and will pick up
their orders directly from the vendor facility.
2.Do not give your Sentrilock, Supra key, or any other home-access
device, or MLS login information to any unauthorized person. You
will be responsible for damages caused by such a violation. Follow
the rules and guidelines associated with the listed services to
ensure you’re not breaching service agreements.
3.simpliHŌM strongly advises against any form of “combo” lockbox
and encourages the use of Sentrilock or other manageable
electronic lockboxes sold by your local association, as you are
protected under your E&O insurance should anything happen while
you have the listing in your care. E&O does not cover you in the
event of theft or property damage with the use of any form of
lockbox not approved by your local MLS and associations.
Smoking
All simpliHŌM offices are smoke-free environments for the health and
safety of all Agents, staff, and clients. Please refer to local and state
laws regarding smoking on public premises.
Safety Practices
At simpliHŌM the safety of our Agents and staff are our top priority.
Please take the time to invest in real estate safety courses to familiarize
yourself with the best practices for open houses, first-time meetings,
late-night showings, etc. Make it a practice to create an office or team
safe word. Always let another Agent, your broker, or even a family
member know your meetings/showings timeline. Our brokers and office
staff are always available to assist if you are uneasy about a situation
and need assistance. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
Tax
A 1099 will be mailed to you within the specified federal timelines for
income earned the previous year. Please review it and let Accounting
know about any discrepancies as soon as you receive it. Corrections
after the final report to the IRS is a difficult task as our CPA must make
those changes.
Team Guidelines
The Company recognizes and acknowledges teams. In order for all
parties to have a clear understanding of how teams are structured within
our company, we have established the following general guidelines
which may be amended from time to time as needed. Changes will be
reflected within the policies and announced within Trainual.
1.A team may consist of as many people as you choose. When team
members are added, the managing broker must be given the
opportunity to interview and sign off on that member joining the
company. A team agreement must be signed by all team members,
something while you're gone.
Training
1.We are in a business of constant movement and change with ever-
changing laws, guidelines: local, state and national. simpliHŌM
prides itself on its constant innovation in training dialogue and
techniques. As a company, we thrive on this fast-paced industry by
constantly bringing you the latest and most up-to-date classes on
industry changes like local and state guidelines, technology, MLS,
forms, and marketing. simpliHŌM is also leading the way in state-
of-the-art personal and digital training platforms to help you create
a long-lasting and sustainable business model you can grow from
for years to come.
2.Training will be provided in the office and on Workplace.
simpliHŌM announces training using the monthly calendar, and
creates the events on Workplace as well. We are committed to
bringing effective and industry-leading training to all Agents.
Transaction Coordination/Client Care
Agents are provided free transaction coordination through our Client
Success Coordinators. The Client Success Coordinators provide full
assistance after an Agent has submitted their deal using the Submit My
Deal button on HŌMHQ.com. Agents have the ability to handle their own
deal by electing “NO TC.”