Technology

Trend 10: The Residential Real Estate Brokerage Shift – Suddenly Arrived in 2018

This is the first blog post in a series of ten that covers the trends that will shape the residential real estate industry in 2019 and beyond according to the publication, Swanepoel Trends Report 2019.  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this post belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer or the publication cited.

If there is one constant in the residential real estate industry, its change.  And with change, brings a lot of mixed emotions.  Some individuals and companies seem to thrive in this environment, while others hold onto the past and get swept away in a tsunami.

The Swanepoel Trends Report cites a number of examples of companies that were on the top of their game but then failed to anticipate a shift in the business environment.  Read these two quotes and you’ll get the picture:

“Google is not a real company.  It’s a house of cards.”

Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft (2004)

“Neither Redbox nor Netflix are even on the radar screen in terms of competition.”

Former Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes (2008)

  

So if businesses evolve either up or down, where are we now?

Continue reading →
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Getting Started in Real Estate – The Thirteen Dirty Little Secrets No One Will Tell You

People have a habit of making huge, life-changing decisions at the end of December because they reflect back on the year that was and realize, “I don’t want to do this anymore” or, “This job isn’t getting me where I want to be” or, “All the kids are gone, so it’s time for me to do something.”  Sound familiar.

This is usually the point where they investigate how to get a real estate license.  All you have to do is take a couple of classes, pass a test, and PRESTO!  You’re in the business.  How difficult could it be?  And just think of all the MONEY!

Over thirty years ago, I entered the real estate business with no idea that the path I had chosen would lead me to where I am today.  I have survived multiple recessions, high interest rates (16½%) and the introduction of the internet into the real estate business.  Through it all, there have been some guiding principles that have kept me focused on not only surviving in this business but thriving while others have faded away.

As you are contemplating whether to take that first step and enroll in classes or you already passed your licensing exam and are deciding which company to affiliate with, consider the following key points that most real estate recruiters will not cover in an interview:  Continue reading →

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eClosings Are Coming to Real Estate Settlements Sooner Than You Might Think

Real estate settlements in Pennsylvania have always been an emotional event for buyers and sellers.  It’s a time for beginning a new chapter in a buyer’s life or the closing of a book for the seller.  In most cases it is a relatively joyous event when a property transfers to a new owner.

But one of the pain points of a real estate settlement is the actual event itself.  Between trying to coordinate everyone’s schedules (i.e. buyer, seller, buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, title company, attorney, mortgage lender, babysitter for the kids, travel to the location, navigating traffic, etc.) to signing a pile of paperwork, it’s not as fun-filled as you might have imagined.

But all of this is about to change . . . and in a big way!  eClosings are coming to a real estate settlement near you. Continue reading →

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REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR) – A Powerful Tool for Today’s Real Estate Agent

The National Association of REALTORS® data product is a powerful resource for real estate agents that know how to harness its information.  Here is a presentation that will introduce you to the program and give you an overview of its unique features and comprehensive reports.

All the best!

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Is the Real Estate Agent the Next Dodo Bird?

Dodo Bird

Once a month, I teach real estate pre-licensing classes to people that have interest in obtaining their real estate license.  There are all kinds of people in the class from all walks of life.  Of all the people who take the classes, my gut feeling is that probably less than 50% of them actually pursue getting their real estate salesperson’s license.  But the ones that want to enter this business are the ones that usually bring the most questions to class and make observations about our business that cause me to rethink what I think is a given.

This past weekend, I had a young lady in the front row make a statement and then ask a pointed question:  “With all the changes occurring in the real estate industry and the onset of technological tools that makes it easier for the consumer to buy and sell real estate, it’s probably only a matter of time before real estate agents aren’t needed anymore.  What do you think?”

Pretty blunt and to the point, wouldn’t you say?  While this question came from one student, I realized that the vast majority of the class was intently waiting on my answer.

In a nutshell, here is what I said – – –    Continue reading →

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