Technological advances in the real estate industry are skyrocketing.
Internet searches are better than ever, online real estate information is abundant, photos are phenomenal and there’s not much you can’t do on today’s state-of-the-art real estate websites.
As technology in real estate continues to expand, the real estate agent’s involvement in providing better service, accurate information, clear communication, and timely follow-up will become more important in managing the overall real estate transaction.
That’s because this business of selling real estate is very relational and cannot be replaced by technology and robot realtors. However, I do think that real estate agents who don’t adapt may be displaced.
I also believe that full utilization of technology, world-class service, and absolute trustworthiness will be the trademark of consummate real estate professionals.
I also think that real estate buyers and sellers will look for the following attributes and skills when choosing a Realtor to represent them:
• High ethical standards. The Code of Ethics differentiates Realtors from the competition. As real estate continues to be the most important transaction in the lives of consumers, integrity and loyalty are crucial agent characteristics. Now and in the future, real estate agents must continue to be honest professionals to the public and trusted advocates to their clients.
• More than just facts and figures. With all the real estate information that’s available online, consumers are better informed about the local housing market than ever before. Therefore, in addition to being a local market expert, today’s real estate professionals must effectively utilize their skills and complete tasks that a computer cannot perform: negotiating contract terms, handling sensitive situations, and resolving contingencies to ensure a trouble-free transaction and successful closing.
• Embracing real estate technology: Technology is changing the real estate industry big-time, and it’s only the beginning. Today’s savvy real estate agents are better prepared by updating their knowledge of new technologies and implementing these technologies to give their clients the competitive real estate advantage.
Visit 3SequoiaCourt.com to see an example of how an exclusive property website promotes a property every day of the year 24/7.
Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com
