Recognizing the changing landscape of today’s real estate market, Kevin Kurland, president of Kurland Realty, realized it was time to reinvent the successful Flatiron boutique he founded in 1997 and power it for a new high-tech reality. With over 15 years and 10,000 deals behind him, he teamed up with his top-producing agent and Vice President, Bianka Yankov, in 2010 to build the next-generation firm.
At the same time, some new companies were gaining traction with a unique 100% commission model touting low overhead and ‘virtual agents’. This new platform was a major step in the right direction - but it was flawed. The 100% promise was disingenuous. Those agents were required to pay numerous fees, including transaction fees tied to the size of every deal, netting agents well under 100%. Still many agents succeeded. Others reported a lack of support. And with only a $99 monthly membership fee at stake, the vast majority quickly reached ‘inactive’ status, serving little more than to inflate sales force numbers. This certainly wasn’t the “success breeds success” atmosphere they intended.
Kevin and Bianka realized it was time to innovate. One thing had become increasingly clear: an agency is only as strong as the strength of its agents. To truly power a brokerage to the top of the industry, they would need a team of fully active, established producers and the best technology, resources, and support available. They would also need a strong brand name that reflected this vision.
So they asked: What if we actually delivered on the 100% promise? What if we invested 100% of our resources into our agents, utilized the best technology, and pulled in clients through the strength of our agents? What if we set the bar higher with one fixed agent cost? Could we expand our team of established producers? Could we thrive? They quickly realized they can and they are.
On Jan 1, 2011 Kevin and Bianka launched Spire … New York City’s True 100%™ commission firm. Now more than ever, established, educated and committed agents can continue doing what they love to do and keep what they earn. They have a company that partners with agents, with a vested interest in their success and a commission platform that inspires and incentivizes them to perform at the highest level. Spire is built on these principles, putting agents first with the best technology, advanced education, coaching and support, plus 100% commission payouts.
Spire is a company that changes lives. Agents are more successful, clients receive outstanding service while securing homes they love, and Spire continues to thrive as we expand. Spire is a win-win-win for agents, clients and the firm itself, enabling us all to Live Better!
