“You have to build trust with your clients. You have to offer accurate market knowledge,” says Tami Bonnell, CEO Exit Realty.
Real estate is going to have to become more humanized. You have to have the emotional intelligence needed to build relationships with people.
Strategic Thinking
You will have to practice more patience. You will not be able to predict what is coming down the pipeline, as you begin working in a more unknown space with consumers who are just as unsure of what the future holds.
“Be observant of what is happening around you. The power of observation is taking on a whole new meaning,” says Kama Burton, agent.
Educate yourself on what technology you need to take your business into a more virtual space. Be mindful of the innovation that is happening to make buying and selling homes easier in a socially distanced world.
“Tech really stepped up during this time with giving us the ability to go virtual,” says Tiffany McQuaid, agent.
She continues, “what are you doing to get direct human connection? Going forward, how are you going to make a better connection with the customer? How are you going to go above and beyond to create that hospitality that leads to raving fans?”
The tech will help to streamline your business, and it’s kept us connected during these times, but it won’t create the human connection needed to move forward with trust as an agent.
Real Estate Trends
Burton: we will see more multi-generational families coming together under one household. Families miss each other, and children want to be able to look after their aging parents.
McQuaid: As an agent/broker in Naples, Florida, we see more agencies adding broadcast studios in broker’s offices. It gives the agents a place to go where they can go live and show listings that can be watched virtually.
Bonnell: at Exit Realty, we started a stimulus package during this time to ramp our agents up with technology while teaching them more skills to use during the quarantine. You will have to have the skills needed to add net value to your clients.
People are beginning to realize that working from home, they can get more done while having a better work/life balance.
Bonnell continues, “there will be zoning laws changed as more people move away from cities. Malls will begin turning into condos.”
Times are changing. What are some differences you are noticing and capitalizing on?
