Dallas-Fort Worth’ Cliff Freeman Jr. closed his independent brokerage after nine years and moved to eXp Realty in 2016 for reasons that many indie owners do: He was lacking certain systems to grow his brokerage, he couldn’t easily expand, he disliked the risks involved and it was difficult to find and retain good agents. But, mostly, he had no exit strategy.
“When you stop selling, your income stops,” said Freeman, who saw that eXp could solve all the issues he was facing, plus provide a means to create generational wealth for himself and his family.
Other issues Freeman was facing were the difficulty in providing affordable tools and lead-generation software, world-class training, collaboration, and most importantly, a system to reward and retain his agents.
“eXp has allowed me to leverage my small business with no exit strategy into a seven-figure (and growing) ongoing entity that creates generational wealth for me and my family and I’ve never looked back,” said Freeman, who, along with his son, Cliff Freeman III – affectionately called “C3” — runs the Cliff Freeman Group in DFW. Having grown their team from zero to 35 agents in nine months, the father-son team is also known for offering their sage advice to top producing agents via their popular YouTube channel, Cliff’s Notes.
Lastly, Freeman cites eXp’s ability to expand without friction to be invaluable.
“Franchises have fences and multiple fees around them. There’s one cost and no fences at eXp,” said Freeman.
Learn More About Cliff Freeman:
Years in real estate: Since 1987
Gross sales and transactions in 2019: $11 million, 23 transactions (individual)
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Dec. 2016-present)
- Clifford Freeman & Associates, Realtors (Aug. 2007-Dec. 2016)
- Keller Williams (Oct. 2005-Aug. 2007)
- Random independent brokerages (Oct. 1987-Oct. 2005)
Main territory: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
Main focus: Single-family, luxury, and agent attraction.
Number of people on team: Currently, 35 agents with plans to grow to 100.
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- D Magazine – D Best, Top Producer
- Real Producers – Top Producer
- Top Agent Magazine – Top Producer
- No. 4 in Revenue Share Earnings, June 2020
- No. 6 in Revenue Share Group Size, June 2020
When and why did you join eXp?
“I joined eXp in 2016 after learning about the company from (eXp coach and growth leader) Brent Gove. My background is finance, technology and real estate. Once I saw the model, I knew that, with the right people involved and good execution, it would revolutionize the brokerage industry. I mean, where else can agents participate in 5 pillars of income? After 9 years as an indie broker, I was certainly not looking to make a move to give up my independence; however, the eXp model was so compelling, I didn’t think twice about joining the movement!”
What makes eXp special to you?
“There are so many things that make eXp special. First, I would say Glenn’s vision for the model and the incredible value proposition for the agents. Next, I would say the culture at eXp is so positive and unique that it’s the secret sauce to greatness. There’s the clear mission, rock-solid core values, transparency, diversity, agility, sustainability, comfortable workspaces (i.e., your home!), leaderships’ visibility and accessibility. It’s where the competition takes a back seat to collaboration, empathy trumps apathy, and life-long friendships and relationships are forged. eXp has made real estate FUN again and has provided the platform where I could build, fund and sustain my legacy.”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“This is a tough one because I have had so many significant experiences since joining eXp. I would say the most significant has been the life-changing experience of creating financial, time and location freedom in my short 3 ½ years with the company. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have a successful family business and to be surrounded by so many great friends at eXp.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“The one thing that continues to surprise me is how much fun I’m having! After 30 years almost anything can start to get old. But now, It’s such a blast! Gene Frederick says it best: “eXp … making real estate fun again!”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“Unlike at our competitors’ operations, this happens on a regular basis at eXp. I am humbled by the caliber of talent here and their willingness to share and extend a hand. Most brokerages are ‘every man for himself,’ but at eXp, collaboration takes on a whole new meaning. It’s our culture and in DNA by design, so just don’t be afraid to ask for help even though it’s not human nature!”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“I have two. First, the quality of your life is the quality of your relationships. Second, If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you’ll achieve the same results.”
10 Fun Things About Cliff Freeman
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Location freedom, time freedom and financial freedom.
If you could add a tattoo, what would it be?
My canvas is too old for a tattoo. LOL
One thing you can’t live without?
My family and hope. (OK, that’s two…)
One trait that has led to your success?
Non lesse illegitimi te carborundum.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Leonardo DiCaprio.
Pet peeve?
Lazy people.
Little known fact about yourself?
I worked a summer internship at Barclay’s Bank in South Africa while getting my MBA from Rice University.
Song you never tire of?
“Hotel California” by the Eagles.
Favorite meal?
Acme Oyster House’s Grilled Oysters
Your epitaph will say:
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.
__________
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