REALTOR VALUE PROPOSITION EVOLVES

Technology has not eliminated the need for real estate agents as predicted by some in the past, but it has changed the dynamics of our relationships with the consumer.

Today's market sends waves of information at consumers, a confusing bath of foreclosures, fluctuating values and changing lending rules. With all this information at our fingertips, it becomes clear that access to data alone will not enable the average consumer to find or sell homes. There is much information available but it is not standardized for easy comparison. That is why the consumer is seeking the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable trusted advisor.

“Data transparency”, which gives everyone access to total information via the Internet, has done its part by enabling consumers to become better educated. New public portals have given them confidence that they are not being manipulated by an agent who doesn't know what he’s doing or doesn’t have their best interests at heart.
Many thought that data transparency would end the work of agents. But it hasn't. In fact, the opposite has occurred. And the reason is simple: people need someone with a professional background and deep understanding of what that data means, along with other real estate skill and expertise to guide them through a transaction.

When consumers are in a stressful state of mind, which describes just about every single real estate transaction, our profession has a great opportunity to leverage our real value. But we have to create solutions, not problems. That process begins with an understanding of what is truly important to consumers today: effective communication and effective representation based on knowledge, experience and skill. That is a value proposition that consumers will always be willing to pay for.