Staying Relevant In a Digital WorldBy Barbara Pronin
In a time when home buyers and sellers have access to more online tools and information than ever, it’s easy to question the value of real estate agents. But the fact is, according to the 2018 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, that 87 percent of buyers and 90 percent of sellers used an agent for their transaction.
Why? Because, in most cases, the work of buying or selling begins when a deal is poised to happen - when negotiating becomes crucial, when there’s complex paperwork to push through, when inspections and/or surveys are needed. Even if buyers believe they have found their dream home online, they turn to an agent not just to show them the home, but to manage and submit their offer and see the transaction through to closing. As important, the weeks or months between contract and closing can be stressful for buyers and sellers, and having an agent to answer their questions, keep them informed, and even do some occasional hand-holding will never go out of style. But there’s a difference between performing the necessary functions and elevating the real estate experience in a way that builds relationships and client loyalty. Here are five things successful agents do to remain relevant in today’s digital world.
Barbara Pronin is an award-winning writer based in Orange County, Calif. A former news editor with more than 30 years of experience in journalism and corporate communications, she has specialized in real estate topics for over a decade. |
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