Once Northern Virginia’s Brenda Stone “allowed herself to listen” to eXp Realty’s business model, it didn’t take her long to make the move.
eXp’s generous commission structure, attractive revenue share, agent equity programs and access to eXp leadership was enough to convince her she would have more upside for all of her hard work.
“To join a company that gives me stock for doing my job was revolutionary,” said Stone. “Additionally, having accessible leadership is another unique aspect of the company. When joining, I had questions that only leadership could answer. Within days, (eXp Realty CEO) Jason Gesing had left a voicemail with a solution to my issue and cleared the way for my team to join eXp. My team and I were also able to spend time privately with (eXp World Holdings Founder and CEO) Glenn Sanford for a substantial amount of time. That would never happen anywhere else.”
eXp’s Business Model Helped During Stone’s Financial Straits
Stone’s journey to eXp has been met with significant medical issues – both for her and her husband. In 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, finding herself traveling to NYC’s Sloan Kettering for costly treatments, surgeries and overnight stays several times a month for a year. After recovering, her husband, Greg, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2015. Between each of their medical issues, they were teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
It was perhaps providential that her colleague, Clayton Gits, convinced Stone to join eXp in 2017 when eXp’s stock was around $5.50 a share (Nasdaq: EXPI). By joining eXp at this time, it helped Stone turn around her financial challenges.
“I know nothing about stock, and could have cared less at the time, but now I’m thinking, ‘whoa – this really turned into something!’”
“The fact that this company has enabled me to lower my real estate expenses and raise my profitability while giving me stock awards for doing my job and offering multiple income streams is unbelievable!
“I will be eternally grateful to all the aforementioned people who helped get us here today. I look forward to working with everyone to keep us growing and achieving more.”
Stone is a three-time ICON Agent at eXp and looks forward to continuing her great success with the company.
Learn more about Brenda Stone:
Gross sales and transactions in 2019: $11,964,315 on 43 transactions.
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Nov. 2017 – current)
- Keller Williams (2010 – Oct. 2017)
- Coldwell Banker (Aug. 1999 – 2010)
Main territory: Northern Virginia
When and why did you join eXp?
“I joined eXp in November 2017 after a friend, Clayton Gits, walked me through a webinar. The value proposition and revolutionary business model was impossible to ignore, especially in the rapidly changing real estate market. The older models just didn’t make financial sense anymore. The $16,000 cap was much more attractive. Plus, with all of the free tech, we were able to stop paying out of pocket for a lot of infrastructure and add-ons.
“Although I still charge 6% on my listings, a lot of homes in our area are starting to discount commissions. By having a lower cap and expenses allowed me to lower my commission and still stay profitable, should I choose to do so. The revolutionary ICON program was an unfathomable (at the time) benefit since, if you qualify to become a member, they give you your cap back in stock. Having become a three-time ICON, the stock from that program has funded my previously non-existent retirement portfolio.”
What makes eXp special to you?
“I love our culture. Other brokerages give lip service to supporting each other. However, eXp actually embodies my values. I can reach out to any eXp agent around the world and ask for a copy of their marketing, listing presentation, or advice and it is given freely and generously. We truly are here for each other’s success. Real estate is very competitive but being one company, where we’re all on the same team, is invaluable.
> See 12 Reasons eXp Is Different Than Other Brokerages
“I also love Workplace as it brings all of us together, both as individuals, agents and leadership. It’s a great platform to get support, idea sharing and assistance.
“Lastly, eXp World is amazing. The fact that I can walk into the accounting department and get an immediate answer to a question is wonderful. In my other brokerages, it could take months to get paid or get an answer to an in-depth or intricate question.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“That everything I was ‘promised’ in my initial webinar and discussion with Clayton not only came true and was factual but that the company exceeded my expectations. From the benefits to the culture, eXp truly is a one of a kind company that puts its agents first.”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“My husband passed away at the end of January 2020. I was teaching a class in eXp World and mentioned to Brad Andersohn that I’d have to take a break. He posted something in the Helping Hands groups and the outpouring of support and love was so special. I was dealing with so much chaos at that time and to have so many agents that commented or sent me a private message, was unexpected and touching.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“Take advantage of all eXp has to offer. From the multitude of classes to ICONversations and the weekly Agent Leadership meetings, anyone can be successful at our company and in real estate. They just have to reach out their hands and take everything that eXp has to offer.”
10 Fun Things About Brenda Stone
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be curled up on the couch or a bed with a great book, surrounded by my dogs and cats.
If you could add a tattoo, what would it be?
I already have many so a new one would require a lot of thought 🙂 My last one is on my right inside wrist and says “I am worthy” with a star on each side as a reminder to myself that I can do and be anything that I want.
One thing you can’t live without?
My iPhone.
One trait that has led to your success?
Compassion.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Margaret Cho.
Pet peeve?
People who don’t use turn signals.
Little known fact about yourself?
I was adopted before I turned 1.
Song you never tire of?
“Oh, What A Night” by the Four Seasons.
Favorite meal?
Thanksgiving: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce.
Your epitaph will say:
Loved and was loved.
___________
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