Oklahoma City’s Steve Burris has amassed some impressive numbers for his Kevo Properties real estate team. He leads a juggernaut of 129 agents who closed on $486,955,669 in sales on 2,584 units in 2022*. And now he is moving Kevo to eXp Realty. Why?

“Because I’d rather be on his ship,” Steve said of eXp World Holdings Founder, CEO and Chairman Glenn Sanford and eXp Realty.

Steve Experienced a Challenge Many Indies Face

Steve started Kevo Properties in 2010 and designed it much like eXp – with a revenue share program and brokerages in multiple states. Steve recruited more than 2,000 agents across Tennessee, Florida, Texas and Colorado. But, problems started when the leaders in each state duplicated Steve’s model and created their own brokerages, attracting Steve’s hard-earned agents in the process.

COVID Changed the Market for Good

Glenn tried to persuade Steve to join eXp a few years back, but things were going pretty well at Kevo. Then COVID hit and stalled Steve’s business for an entire year.

“We’ve always been in the top 5 brokerages against national franchises. But when eXp came into the market, they passed me like I was standing still.”

Another Oklahoma powerhouse, the Levinson Real Estate Team, led by Peter and Tara Levinson, enticed Steve to join eXp.

“The market has shifted so much in the last two years. Because of COVID, no one could come into the office for a year. It got to be that we didn’t need an office.”

The Brutal Challenges of Running an Independent

Steve says lots of agents want to start their own independent brokerage, but it’s not as easy as it looks.

“Yeah, if you want to start your own business, go for it. With the leases and overhead and then gamble that you’re going to make it on 1099 people who come and go? Go for it,” Steve said while pointing out that by joining eXp, he can get back to what he loves: recruiting, training and coaching. Also, not worrying who is stealing his people.

> Read why independent brokerages are flocking to eXp Realty

‘Brokerages Are All the Same’

Steve got his real estate start with RE/MAX back in 2000, joining for all the wrong reasons, he says (the office was close to his house, their brand was recognizable and he was friends with the owners). In his first year, he sold three houses but still owed the franchise money in past dues and fees.

“I don’t care how they (brokerages) look, they are all the same and do everything the same. It’s a numbers game. There’s a big chance you will leave, so they don’t spend time on you.”

Frustrated with RE/MAX, the lack of support, training and hefty fees, he started Kevo and a few years later also wrote a book, “Real Estate Mentoring.”

“I line up with what Glenn believes in – agents. We spend a lot of time training and educating people. For years, our motto was ‘Agents First.’ We had that on the wall in big letters.”

Steve Is Eager for a New Future With eXp

Steve is very proud of what’s to come. He launched a real estate school about four years ago, which offers a pre-license course and continuing education. He also has a title company in Oklahoma and plans to open others in Florida, Georgia and Texas, mentioning a potential relocation to a warmer state away from Oklahoma’s harsh winters.

He’s also impressed with eXp’s onboarding and support, led by eXp Realty agents and leaders Micah and Hamudi Mruwat.

“I never met a group — and I’ve talked to many national franchises over the years all over the place – and no one is close to the attitude and support that eXp offers,” said Steve.

Brokerage history: