It's true.  The way we buy and sell real estate is changing at such a rapid pace....it can be difficult for Realtors to navigate!  The reality is that the market has changed—and it's not a subtle "adjustment".  It's not just about the sub-prime fallout, but it is actually a paradigm shift in our whole industry.  With change, there can be opportunity too!  Did you know that we have four generations of buyers and sellers in the marketplace right now?  Maybe even more if you realize that people are still buying and selling in their 70's and 80's!  We have the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and the Millennium generation.  Each group relates differently to each other, to technology and to real estate.  I don't think someone 80 yrs old would want me to text them!  On the other hand, the new consumers want me to text with updates...or email if I have to!  Our newest consumers want speed, convenience, choice, added value, extraordinary service, extreme quality and LOTS of information!  How many times do we hear "Don't show me any houses without granite counters!".  Or "this house looks too outdated...it looks like it was built in the 90's". 

What about all the tools Realtors have come to rely on such as the MLS, business cards, "Just Sold" cards...do these even play a role these days.  Of course, they do.  But we have to keep a competitive edge with our consumers so that we don't become "obsolete" in our field.  When I first began real estate, I couldn't believe there were agents who didn't use the internet.  And they were selling lots of real estate...quietly doing business the "old way".  But now, the internet is a "must" today...it's not an option any longer!

What other "tools" do we have that can help us in real estate.  Ah....  It could be our attitude!  The fear factor is ever present in real estate. What if rates rise, what if we have a recession, what if our listing doesn't sell, what if we have foreclosures in our area...what if, what if.  Well, okay.  Those may be valid concerns, but we cannot let them control our habits, our thoughts and most of all....our attitude.  The truth is that if a home is priced right, shows well and is in a reasonable location...it WILL sell.  The hardest part for a seller is the "priced right" scenario.  What the seller "needs" should not be the motivating factor of setting the price.  It comes up over and over again.  As a listing agent, we owe it to our sellers to provide correct market data to help determine pricing.  Before writing an offer for a buyer, we will do a market analysis on a property and can tell immediately if a home is priced too high.  The information is readily available, so an offer range can usually be obtained in a very short time. 

So what do we do to stand above the competition?  Price it right, stage it appropriately, show curb appeal and have the right attitude.   If you're looking for an agent that has a great deal of local experience and knowledge, call me.  I LOVE Pearland!  Remember, I don't want to sell EVERY house in Pearland...I just want to help YOU!

Kathye Warfield
281-485-1946
www.PearlandHomes.com

 

        

 

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