BY BRUCE GARDNER,
FOUNDER & CEO, MASTERY, INC.
Change is happening very quickly now, and it is rapidly
impacting our industry. Our success today and in the future
will depend on our abilities to adapt to new technology, new
business models and changing Consumer behavior. Are you
ready?
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with the Royal
Palm Coast Realtor® Association, and presenting three
sessions for the membership and leadership. We had some
great discussions about the big changes happening in real
estate, the emerging “transparency” in the industry, and how
your leadership is looking to the future.
know if we are a good match for them and the real estate
transaction or transactions that they are contemplating. Are
we experienced at the kind of real estate they will buy or
sell? Do we do many transactions in the area where they are
buying or selling? The answers to these questions will often
determine if they choose us as their Agent, or not.
Are you ready for this “online interview?” Does your website
address these issues? Do you have “profiles” on the major
real estate portals like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. that
tell your “story” and provide the Consumer with a clear
understanding of your “identity” as an Agent? Have you
posted your transactions on Zillow so Consumers can see
that you have credibility as a producing Agent? Have you
acquired positive Consumer “reviews” to provide the “social
proof” that your previous Clients have had a good experience
working with you?
As an Agent, you are certainly aware of changes happening
in the business. We have smart home technologies being
adopted by homeowners, virtual reality home tours being
created by companies like Matterport that allow Buyers to
“walk through” a home, flat-fee real estate companies looking
to capture market share, the continued online dominance of Today, this is where the opportunity is to promote your
Zillow, the explosion of big data that delivers comprehensive business. We recommend that you work on presenting
yourself online in a positive way, and position yourself to
property information to Consumers, and more.
attract the Clients that you are seeking. Your website and
Maybe the trend