Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

Just Got Married Name Change?

Posted by Anonymous on 10/26/2008 at 11:20 PM ET 250 Points
My maiden name was Christina Moore and I have become a well known Realtor in Idaho during the past 3 years.

I just got married and kept my maiden name as my middle name... now Christina Moore Ward. I would love to eventually drop the old last name and just be Christina Ward. But I fear that people will be confused and not know who I am.

I am going in the direction of owning my own company and becoming a Broker. I would like to start branding my future brokerage name while working as a Realtor.

My email address was cmooreproperties.com ... my newsletter is "Moore Junk Mail." I don't know if I should continue with the Moore in my brokerage name or use the name, Ward. Or use a business name not related to my last name/names at all?

I need some advise! Thanks,
Christina Moore Ward :)
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 10/27/2008 at 2:18 AM Accepted
    Many people keep their businesses under prior names, while their outside work name has changed. It can work.

    But, it all comes down to what is important for you. There will be some challenges and costs to changing the name, but it can be done. Just as there would be challenges to using one name for work and one for personal stuff.
  • Posted on 10/27/2008 at 6:13 AM Accepted
    Why not make a promotion out of it? Put a poll in your newsletter and website. Have your readers vote on which name you should use. Pick a respondent at random and give them a prize to encourage participation.
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 10/27/2008 at 10:03 AM Accepted
    Dont change your name. To your friends you will be MRS Ward. To the world you will be Moore Realty.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 10/27/2008 at 10:03 AM Accepted
    It all depends upon your bigger goals. If you're hoping to start a brokerage with the plan to sell it, then consider not using your name as the brokerage title. You can always announce that you'll be working at the new brokerage to your existing clientele.

    If you're trying to leverage your name recognition in your community, use your name in the brokerage.

    As for transitioning a name, you can certainly do it, but do it gradually to teach people your new name.
  • Posted on 10/27/2008 at 10:38 AM Author
    Thanks everyone for your input! I'm still undecided on my decision... Please continue the responses!

    Just to give you more info, here's the positives and negatives that I see:

    Keep the maiden name Moore:
    Positives: I will be recognized by my old friends and old clients and other Realtors. I have branded my business the last 3 years.
    Negatives: When I start having kids and make new friends (like at their schools) I will be known as Mrs Ward. I think the Moore name would be confusing.

    Change to Christina Ward:
    Positives: It's only been 3 years. I plan to do this business for the rest of my life (I'm only 26 years old). I will have more time to brand the Ward name.
    Negatives: obvious.... People that I have already worked with might not know who I am.

    Luckily I have a Newsletter that can clear all of this up! But I still want to do this right.

    Please help!

    Christina
  • Posted by Mikee on 10/27/2008 at 7:03 PM Accepted
    I would change to your new name. The trick is to be very deliberate and make sure you contact all previous clients, other agents, etc. Be sure they know you have changed your name. I think that you will want your new name to be part of the new company. The sooner your start transitioning people the better.

    Keeping your maiden name may be better in the short run, but problematic in the long run. Especially as you network with people in everyday life which is a lot of what happens in Real Estate.

    I do agree with Jay that the new company might be best served if it is not your name but something else. You can certainly use your name on the signs as many agencies do, but the company name can be unrelated. This might be the best plan if you will be adding other agents over time.

    Good luck,
    Mike
  • Posted on 10/28/2008 at 10:59 AM Author
    Thanks everyone for your help! I really appreciate it. I am now more clear on what I want to do with my name and future brokerage name.

    Christina
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Taglines/Names)