The Role of an Real Estate Agent in Today's Crazy Market

There was a time —not too many years ago— when the real estate agent was the gate keeper to information on what was for sale. We had the MLS book and we controlled the market on information. 

Fast forward to today and consumers can find information on what's for sale almost anywhere: our web site — CBBurnet.com — and third party sites like Realtor.com and Trulia and a host of others.  They can get additional information from county sites and the ever present Google. 

Real estate agents no longer control access to the information. We still create the information and add the virtual tours and pictures, but we then send it out over the magic of the internet to more sites than we are probably even aware of. So part of our role is to present a client's listing to the world in a way that attracts their interest and appeals to their needs and wants. The other part of the role in an ever changing world is to be the trusted and knowledgeable guide — a guide through the process, navigating the challenges that occur from initial listing to successful closing.

A good agent listens well, helps you negotiate a deal, works through the inspection and appraisals, and follows through on all the details necessary to have a successful closing. The irony is that while we have given up control of the data to the internet, the transaction itself has become far more complicated and the need to have a knowledgeable agent is greater than before. There is a difference between having all the information and being able to interpret it in a meaningful way.

As I said earlier, consumers have access to all kinds of data, but utilizing it to understand the market, knowing what is going on in a community, or how the market reacts to a particular style or floor plan is critical. When you add in the issues surrounding short sales and bank owned properties, well, now you are in a whole new area that requires a skilled and knowledgeable agent. 

It’s a great time to buy a home, with historically low rates and outstanding values.  Call a trusted Realtor today to help you take advantage of a dynamic market.