For real estate agents today, staying ahead of the competition is vital, particularly when it comes to changes and new developments in the industry.
Whether it is shifts in the economy, housing needs or zoning changes, all can impact real estate trends. Moreover, there are new approaches to dealing with clients to help them find what they need and be happy in their homes and keep them coming back that can make all of the difference. A Forbes report indicates that changing technology, such as the developing field of artificial intelligence, can open up new avenues to make sure you’re dedicating resources to the right areas.
According to Forbes Real Estate Council, there are six ways to grow as a real estate professional.
Abhi Golhar of Summit & Crowne, writes that it is important to network with local leaders in your market.
“When entering a market or gaining a better understanding of your own, look for local market leaders who have insight you can trust,” he wrote. “On a daily basis, I network with real estate wholesalers, agents, Realtors, attorneys, developers, builders and my mentors to determine whether actions I take in a given area will be profitable over time.”
Second, as Engelo Rumora with List’n Sell Realty notes, it is important to surround yourself with great people.
“The more people you speak to, the more opinions and knowledge you receive, which eventually molds your decisions for the better,” Rumora wrote.
Michelle Ames, HorsePower Realty/Realty Executives Metroplex, writes that it is important to follow the advice of in-person instructors who encourage interaction.
“We all have different experiences and ideas,” she said. “It’s interesting to hear what has worked for others, and then take those ideas and evolve them into something that is my own.”
Ames said it is key for real estate professionals to find instructors who keep your attention and function in similar niches, and follow them.
Sohin Shah of InstaLend suggest agents sit down with clients and “discuss their pain points.”
“The greatest learning occurs not in schools or meeting rooms, but when you sit down with your customers and discuss their pain points,” Shah said. “I make it a point to meet as many of our clients in person as possible, and to personally respond to inbound inquiries about our services.”
Michael Sroka of Dealpath Inc. said it is important to leverage associations and industry knowledge.
“We continue to benefit from the fantastic content, network and events provided by the Urban Land Institute, International Council of Shopping Centers and National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts,” he writes.
Lastly, Gino Zahnd of Cozy points out it is important to mine other industries and cultures for ideas.
“Real estate is a slow-moving beast that is years behind other industries. I don’t have a single resource, nor would I recommend using a single resource,” he said. “Instead, I seek out a broad perspective by following a number of industries, consumer software products and any companies that I think are doing a good job creating culture.”
