About the Program AMERICAN 1ST REALTY, the virtual real estate company, is doing business now the way most brokers will be doing business in ten to fifteen years. You can take advantage of our innovative approach and realize the many benefits we offer by becoming a Personal Net Branch Office (PNBO) or a member of one of the various types of group net branch offices of  AMERICAN 1st REALTY. The advantages of the virtual real estate company are: Greater efficiency and lower costs, resulting in more net income to you Enhanced access to information and resources, making your job easier and providing you with more opportunities to do business Freedom to expand your business and increase your range of services QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER What is a virtual real estate company? What is a Personal Net Branch Office? What are Group Net Branch Offices? How does the program work? Who qualifies? What about loans?   What is a virtual real estate company? A virtual real estate company is an electronic network connecting agents to the Central Office, and to each other, via an infrastructure of sophisticated systems and equipment.  It is a store of information, knowledge, resources and know-how readily accessible to agents electronically, enabling them to provide their clients with a better, more comprehensive array of services.  At AMERICAN 1st REALTY, there are no brick and mortar branch offices.  The Central Office provides the essential support, information, tools and services agents need to succeed. AMERICAN 1st REALTY is structured to communicate with agents utilizing the most sophisticated technologies available, meaning you have ready access to management for consultation and advice.  When you need help, we are available, as are all the tools of the profession.  You will have access to training and you will have the ability to attend cyber meetings in real time or later at your convenience. The virtual real estate company provides both information and resources in the most economical and technologically efficient manner possible, resulting in savings and greater net income. The virtual real estate company enables you to become more fully integrated into the broader market and it provides innovative tools and programs to take advantage of new business opportunities and previously untapped sources of income. These include such things as loan officer training, internet-based in-house buyer referral programs and so forth. At AMERICAN 1st REALTY the future is now.   What is a personal net branch office? An PNBO is you, the individual real estate professional - wherever you are, wherever you operate. It may be your home office, your automobile, or other business location.  Even today, most agents do much, if not most of there work from their homes or other locations away from their brokerage office. At AMERICAN 1st REALTY, we bring the brokerage office to you by making you an integrated part of the company net. The Central Office is your “bank” of information and resources, as well as a safeguard for your business activities. (See the “Compensation and Fees/ Program Details” page for specifics.)   What are Group Net Branch Offices? Realizing that some agents prefer working cooperatively with others, we have created a variety of group net branch offices (GNBO) models, including the Married Couples Net Branch Office (MCNBO), the Partnership Net Branch Office (PSNBO), the Team Net Branch Office (TNBO) and the Associates Net Branch Office (ANBO). Each is designed to accommodate differing needs and business preferences.  The various GNBO models provide agents the opportunity to share marketing and other expenses, to work jointly on transactions, to benefit from their collective knowledge and experience and to maximize earnings potential without incurring the liability, financial burdens and legal responsibilities associated with operating an independent real estate company. (See the “Compensation and Fees/ Program Details” page for specifics.)   How does the program work? As a PNBO or member of a GNBO you will have direct access to management and staff support, all the services, all the programs and all the data necessary for you to do your job as a real estate professional.  Additionally, the Central Office provides transaction coordination services, access to escrow, title and lending services though AMERICAN 1st REALTY and its affiliates, all available at the touch of a button. You can track your escrows from your home office, submit documentation, receive documentation, obtain marketing materials, obtain market data and educational materials. You can receive referrals, market your services, even attend sales meetings or training classes while sitting at your computer in your pajamas.   Through economies of scale we are able to provide you with discounts on items such as office supplies, equipment, marketing and educational materials, advertising, communications services and other tools of the trade. As a PNBO you are your own real estate office, yet you have at your fingertips the help, support and resources of our vast organization and our highly professional and experienced staff. In short, you have access via technology to everything you need to succeed and excel as a real estate professional. Because a virtual real estate company is technology-based, you will need specialized systems and equipment, including the necessary hardware and software to operate your net branch office. Much of what’s needed you probably already have, but we can provide whatever you lack at affordable prices. Entire hardware and software kits are available, enabling you to set up your PNBO or GNBO on a turnkey basis. In order to maintain efficiency most communication between the PNBO or GNBO and the Central Office will be conducted by email (including PDF documents), the internet, fax and toll-free telephone service. Expert brokerage advice and consultation is available on virtually a 24 hour basis. Agents who need a place to meet with clients may use the facilities of AMERICAN 1st REALTY’s associated escrow company, Commerce Title, and/or its affiliates, located in virtually every corner of the state.  Who qualifies? The Personal Net Branch Office (PNBO) is designed for highly independent agents. Typically the agent operating as a PNBO is an experienced real estate agent, someone who does not need day-to-day supervision and who has learned the basics of the profession.  The PNBO model enables you to be independent without bearing the full cost of independence. However, there is a place for new and relatively inexperienced agents. AMERICAN 1st REALTY provides a mentor program whereby newer agents can learn from an experienced agent and develop their skills and knowledge to a point of being able to operate independently with the support and resources of the Central Office. Additionally, newer agents have the opportunity to join a Team Net Branch Office (TNBO) where mentoring support would be available. AMERICAN 1st REALTY has made the capital investment, developed the infrastructure, the systems and the programs to enhance your business activities and elevate you to the next level. Additionally we have hired and trained the staff necessary to serve all your on-going needs. What we have not done is provide office buildings and redundant staff and equipment which must be paid for with commission dollars. Efficiency, organization, economies of scale and innovation are the keys to our business model. They can be the keys to your business model, as well. Please note: Though the primary function of AMERICAN 1st REALTY is to provide you resources and business opportunities, our success and your success depend on serving the client well. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure that all services are provided in a professional manner, consistent with the highest ethical and legal standards. Accordingly, we have strict review, oversight and quality control standards that apply to PNBOs and GNBOs alike. That said, we recognize that many agents like to be deeply involved in the administrative aspects of their transactions, including managing their escrows and interacting with the MLS in regard to their listings, etc. A1R agents may be as deeply involved in such administrative functions as they wish, so long as the company has complete and current documentation on every transaction and listing. Further, to meet all DRE and E&O insurance carrier requirements, official files are maintained at the Central Office and all commission demands originate from that office. This backup and oversight process serves a risk management function, thereby benefiting the agent and client alike. What about loans? At AMERICAN 1st REALTY you can do loans as well as real estate for one monthly fee. Licensed agents who are not experienced loan officers must attend a two day boot camp and receive advanced training to become a certified loan officer. (See the “Compensation and Fees/ Program Details” page for specifics.)