John Hall & Associates - Phoenix Real Estate Brokerage

The Swanepoel Trends Report 2008 “Top 10 Real Estate Trends” is out now.  This is the real estate industry’s premier report on those keys factors currently shaping our business models.  Of particular interest are the last two chapters: Special Summary for The Agents and Special Summary for the Consumer. 

There is great information in this report especially when it comes to making sense of the current market and how to prepare for the future market.  Just looking at the summary for consumers, agents can get a clue about the types of business strategies they should be developing.  The report advises consumers to:

1.   Look for a knowledgeable and trusted real estate agent that works hard to keep themselves and the consumer informed.  (Advice to agent - newsletters and updates on a regular basis that address the knowledge that a consumer needs.)

2.   Ask the agent to explain to you their career development program.  (Advice to agent  -  have a business plan and mission statement.)

3.   Ask for names and contact information for clients the agent has worked with for the last six months.  (Advice to agent  -  build your client portfolio and offer recommendations up front.)

4.  Ask them about their real estate qualifications.  (Advice to agent  -  of course you are licensed - duh - what consumers want to know is what designations and certifications you have scored.  What training have you had and how it benefits the consumer?)

5.  Any real estate agent should be knowledgeable enough to explain their business model and what importance it has to a real estate transaction.  (Advice to agents  -  YOU need a “UVP” (Unique Value Proposition) so that the service you offer gains a value to the consumer.)

The report underscores what I’ve been saying all along, get those designations, develop a business plan and acquire the advanced skill necessary to meet the “new consumer’s” expectations.  While service is still the icing on the cake, the new words resonating with consumers are  -  Value and Skill.  How will you explain your value and introduce your skill?