Realty Executives Has Made A Change

Realty Executives International has  a change in ownership for one of their Arizona franchises.

While I will never publicly discuss all of the details as I know / believe  them to be, I feel a desire to address some of my thoughts.

None Of Us Asked:

Realty Executives Phoenix / Yuma was said to have roughly 600ish agents. I was proud to be one of those agents. On June 30th, all of us were notified that the owners had failed to renew their franchise agreement with Realty Executives International. We were also told that we have 30 days to remain with the current owners and their staff at a new firm, or we can continue under the Realty Executives brand with a new, but existing, ownership group. (or join any other firm of our choosing)

None of us asked for these changes, they were forced upon us. As you can imagine, many of us desired to learn as much as possible before making such an important change. Unfortunately, it was difficult for most of us to get a lot of concrete information because of the existing franchise agreement. We were told that the current franchise agreement prohibited the current Phoenix/Yuma ownership group from discussing any future plans. (possible recruiting violations, etc.) Eventually, on July 30th, we were given information about the future plans of the current ownership group.

Change is Constant

While change is constant, some things always remain the same. Adversity and challenges are something that we all deal with regularly. Anyone familiar with the real estate industry knows that, and most of us learn to handle it well.

When this kind of change happens, it effects people in many different ways. For some, the decision can be easy. For others, the decision can be rather difficult.

Rumors and Innuendo – No Need For That Crap

Unfortunately, it can be common for rumors and innuendo to start during any kind of major “breakup” like this. Now isn’t the time or place for those things. Each of us are responsible for doing what we feel is best for our business. That certainly does not mean that a different decision someone else makes is wrong or bad. No, this wasn’t a hostile takeover with malicious intent. There was either a huge blunder or a calculated move that caused these changes. No matter the reasons, we will all move forward, hopefully without unnecessary drama. And, hopefully, there will be no bridges burned.

No doubt that most of us believe we are better when we work together and lift each other up. We should continue to do that. There is also no doubt that many of our paths will cross again. Personally, I look forward to that, as I have many good friends who will be at each firm. I know that most of us will handle this like adults.

For The Nick Bastian Team:

I have now been licensed with Realty Executives for more than half of my 33 year career. I love what this brand stands for, and I love that they allow me to run my business as I wish. This is where I have long-planned to finish my career. After weighing all of our options, I have decided that staying with Realty Executives is the best decision for me and for our team.

During my career, I have always known that I like to surround myself with great people.  I do that in my business and in my personal life. I have been blessed to be surrounded by some amazing individuals during my time here at Realty Executives Phoenix. I am very thankful for many of the relationships I have made in this industry, here at Realty Executives and at other firms. Growing and maintaining these relationships will always be a huge part of what I do. I truly wish we could still be with many of the people who remain with my former ownership group.

Going forward, our phone number is the same. Our website is the same. Our dedication and work ethic certainly remain the same. None of our clients will see any noticeable changes to files or service now or in the future. For our team, we remain 100% committed to our clients, just like we have always been. THAT will never change.

To Patrick Lewis:

You are an amazing broker and a shining star in this industry. A beacon upon a hill. I have no doubt that your rising star will continue to be noticed by more and more people in this industry. Your name should be firmly planted on any Inman-type of “most influential” lists for our industry.

I appreciate your guidance and friendship, your passion for people, your leadership and your knowledge of the industry. Yes, I will always be a fan, and I look forward to finding ways to collaborate with you in the future.

I also look forward to visiting more hole-in-the-wall taco shops and that cool little Italian spot where your name may as well be Norm.

Everyone knows that you will continue to do great things. I don’t know of anyone who isn’t cheering for your success.

Moving Forward with Realty Executives or Fathom Realty:

No matter what, each agent who worked with the Realty Executives Phoenix and Yuma franchise was forced to make a change by August 1st, 2025. Honestly, I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer for anyone involved. The choices will be made by each agent deciding what they feel best fits their needs and business plan. I will have friends who chose differently than I have, and I sincerely hope to continue to have great relationships with each and every one of them.

Fathom Realty Elite is the name of the new firm where some of my former colleagues will be licensed. I am sure they will have much success for many years to come.

Realty Executives Arizona Territory is my home, and I am happy to be teaming up with even more professionals under this well-established brand. I have always loved what Realty Executives stands for. Professionalism, Integrity, etc. I believe it is a great brand and I love working with professionals who are given the tools we need to be the best in the business.

We have some amazing history here and the future is bright. Cheers to a bright future and continued success for us all.