What Is a Legacy Agent?

A Legacy Agent is an experienced Realtor® nearing retirement who partners with The Powell Buehler Group | Coldwell Banker Realty to preserve their client relationships and generate passive income throughout retirement. Our team professionally manages the agent’s database and handles all transactions, while the Legacy Agent earns referral income from every closed sale—without the demands of day-to-day production.

Tina and I have worked in real estate for almost 30 years together. Over that time, we’ve
seen many agents come and go—some great agents who spent years building outstanding
businesses.

The question we often hear is: How do you enjoy what you’ve built, and what is it really worth?
We realized that the key is helping clients who have counted on you for years by setting up a
team that ensures your business doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

With the Powell Buehler Team, you can enjoy slowing down a bit, take the stress of the deal
out of your life, and still provide exceptional service to your clients. Our system is designed
for agents who want to step back, focus on what they love, or even prepare for retirement—
without letting their hard work fade away.

Tina and I love this program—the future is exciting! Give our team a call and start a conversation
about your next five—or even ten—years in real estate. Let’s explore how you can enjoy the
fruits of your hard work while still making a difference for your clients.

For more than 30 years, I built a highly successful real estate career in Columbus, Ohio, establishing a trusted business supported by a database of more than 8,000 clients and contacts. Over the course of that career, I created DownSize Columbus, a pioneering real estate education and lead-generation seminar designed to help homeowners navigate the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of downsizing. That program has guided thousands of homeowners and became both my professional niche and a defining part of my life’s work.

As I began preparing for retirement, I intentionally studied what retirement truly looks like for a seasoned real estate professional. I quickly learned that stepping away is far more complex than simply slowing down production. Decades of relationships, trust, and intellectual capital deserve thoughtful stewardship. I asked difficult but necessary questions:
How do I continue earning passive income from the clients I served? Who can responsibly manage the DownSize Columbus brand? And who can be trusted with something that represents not just a business, but a legacy?

The answer required more than a handoff—it demanded alignment. Any transition needed a values-driven team with proven infrastructure, long-term vision, and the ability to serve both current and future clients with care. It also required younger, capable agents who could continue serving my database for years to come, ensuring continuity for clients while allowing me to receive ongoing compensation from the relationships I built. Most importantly, DownSize Columbus had to continue with the same integrity, compassion, and expertise on which it was founded.

After nearly three years of research, interviews, and careful evaluation, I found that alignment with Craig Buehler and the Powell Buehler Group. From the beginning, their values mirrored my own. They communicated with clients in the same thoughtful, principled way and demonstrated both professionalism and heart. More importantly, they consistently followed through—proving their commitment through action, not just words.

The Powell Buehler Group provided a clear, responsible path to retirement—one that honors three decades of service while preserving the income and relationships earned along the way. Craig and his team have proven themselves to be trusted stewards of my clients, my work, and the legacy I spent a lifetime building.

What is a Legacy Agent?

A Legacy Agent is a Realtor® nearing retirement who joins The Powell Buehler Group | Coldwell Banker Realty and allows our team to professionally service their database while they earn passive referral income from closed transactions.

How does a Legacy Agent earn income?

The Legacy Agent receives referral compensation from transactions that close as a result of their database. Income continues throughout retirement without the need for active selling, marketing, or transaction management.

Does the Legacy Agent have to stay involved?

No. Legacy Agents choose their level of involvement. Some remain lightly engaged with clients, while others step back entirely. The model is designed to be flexible and respectful of each agent’s retirement goals.

Who works the database?

The Powell Buehler Group handles all outreach, client service, marketing, and transaction management—ensuring clients receive high-level representation consistent with the Legacy Agent’s standards.

Why is this better than selling a database?

Selling a database is a one-time transaction. Becoming a Legacy Agent provides ongoing income, protects client relationships, and ensures your life’s work continues with integrity and care.