Saturday, February 17th 2007 @ 3:10 PM

 

Leslie,

 As much as the situation disturbs me, it is the easiest question for me to answer.

 

Back in late 2004 my father and I started planning the succession/ transition of my position as the primary broker for our agency.  Regardless of how successful any business is, it should always be avaluated and improved wherever necessary.  My father and I had together made the decision to join the National Association of Realtors and the Western Steuben-Allegany Multiple Listing Service.  This service gives us nationwide marketing and the network for properly evaluating market values.  Also, by entering the Association, we agree to work together with any other Association member to sell our properties.  This decision was not viewed the same by all members of our family business.  I felt that we owed this service to our trusting clients and I could not stand to turn away another agency who probably had an able buyer for my client.  The changes that are made in any business should not be what is the best for any single individual in the business, but for the business as a whole, in other words...  Our Clients and Customers.  I want to stress!  Our company is operated the same as it has been for over 30 years.  Honesty, Integrity and longevity is our primary focus.  We have just added some great new features.  Any business evolves, and we needed to move forward to compete. 

 

The answer....   Soon after my father lost his battle to cancer, I was notified that Fran would not work with these changes.  I tried everything that I could to change his mind.  Although in disagreement, our family is not in a fued.  I respect the business that he and my father ran together and am saddened at the current situation.  I only wish that culture had not gotten in the way of our advancement. I suppose that I could have simply inherited the business and done nothing, but competition and responsibility drove me to make changes. This change is apparent in all types of business, not just real estate.  Notice the recent updates to many local businesses.  The Giant Food Mart, Beef Haus, Lil' Italia and Texas Hot.  These are all family owned businesses who are making necessary changes to compete and to stay current in their respective businesses.  Sawyer Realty did what was best for our business and is moving forward.  Our business moves cannot be seen, but  rather experienced by our clients.  I wish that Fran could experience our new success.  We would be much stronger as a team! 

 

Leslie, I could have removed this post, but thought it was time for the public to get the explanantion.  You as a home seller or buyer have a choice when choosing a real estate agent or Realtor.  We understand this and want to offer the best possible service.  We are not the only capable and resectable realty business out there!  Fran Sawyer is a very honest and capable real estate broker.  You should not be sorry to choose your agency of choice.  And I thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, both Sawyer Realty and The Willing Agency have been effected by this split.  I am sure this has confused the public and has driven business to our competition.  This split was certaintly not my choice or the outcome I had foreseen for our future.  If you have done business with Sawyer Realty and do not want to look elsewhere, don't.  You will find honest people who care with either agency.  Do not feel guilty about your choice.  Good Luck

 

I encourage anyone to take a close look at what Sawyer Realty has done and what we have to offer.  We've been busy and we want you to compare us to our competition. www.SawyerRealty.com

 

Patrick Sawyer