Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information

We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us. – Marshall McLuhan

The online community is changing the way that success is measured in the industry. Five, ten, and twenty years ago, the role of a real estate agent was considerably different than it is now. Back then, agents had to seek out information and catalogue it, so their successes were largely based on the amount of data they had at their disposal. Nowadays, it’s not so much about how much data you can curate, but how well you know the local market and the kind of service you provide. Whether the agents like it or not, good and bad experiences are broadcasted across online review platforms and social media, which can persuade or dissuade people from wanting to work with that agent.

So what does this mean for real estate agents and homebuyers in 2016?

The Modern Role Of A Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent today needs to provide impeccable service and always be available for a client. Responsiveness and empathy are two of the biggest traits that clients are looking for in an agent, and a simple Google search can usually provide them with an indication of who has these skills based on their Google+ reviews.

Being a successful agent is about more than closing the highest sale in a particular neighborhood, it’s about the agent’s reputation for service, knowledge, and competence. Clients can do much of their own research now, and there’s nothing more frustrating than working with an agent who’s just there to collect a paycheque. As a client, you don’t deserve that, so here are a few tips to bear in mind when looking for an agent to represent your next purchase or sale.

Do Your Homework

1. Read the agent’s Google and Facebook reviews.
2. Ask for a meeting with an agent.
3. Read their testimonials.

With So Much Information Available, Are Real Estate Agents Still Relevant?

The Internet has made it so that everyone has access to the same pool of information, but interpreting that information is another thing entirely. According to a study by NAR, 26% more people are purchasing homes with the help of a real estate agent now than they were in 2001. So, it would appear as though while technology changes, the human element of real estate will not be lost any time soon.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent in the Triangle region, the My NC Homes team would be thrilled to help you. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, let them put their expertise to work for you. Send them a message or give them a call at 919.659.5173 to learn more about their excellent service and years of experience.