February 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

The Evolving Role of a Real Estate Agent:

Once upon a time real estate agents were “gatekeepers” of information, personal shoppers for buyers, and marketing of homes consisted mainly of signs being posted and occasional ads placed in newspapers. Agents sold their services on the basis of skills and services that would be either unnecessary or insufficient in today’s market.

When I began real estate in 1986, fax machines were not in common use, multiple listings of properties were distributed by a thermal printing teletype machine, cell phones were extremely rare and very expensive, and the architecture of the internet was in its infancy. Real estate agents needed to drive to people’s homes or offices in order to get paperwork signed, and messengers were required for timely delivery of the various documents needed to process any transaction. Up until 10 years ago, multiple listings needed to be reviewed in a thick book, which was published twice per month, which included only one small black and white photo.

Today, not only do real estate agents have instant access to full property information on all listings anywhere in the country, but their clients have equal access 24 hours a day, which can even be obtained from their “smartphones.” In fact, most of my own buyers can learn as much as I can about any given property, which only makes that part of my job easier. A good agent today is much more than a mere “home-finder” or tour guide. As I work with the tech-savvy consumers, the experience that I have in the home purchase process brings tremendous added value to them. It is my expertise and experience that enables the buyers I work with to feel confident they have found the right home and are buying it at a fair price and with sufficient due diligence.

In recent years many agents have developed the skills of being good interpreters of all the facts, data, and alternative choices facing their clients. Those agents who provide the highest value today are highly skilled problem solvers in the process of buying and selling homes. They have learned the new role of the modern day agent means to anticipate and proactively resolve the myriad of details that continue to be more challenging to the consumer. While many choose to hide behind technology, and their agents only facilitate on their behalf, the more expert agents really demonstrate their value by more creative and effective negotiations and communications with both clients and their fellow agents.

On the selling side, today’s marketing is vastly different for many of the same reasons. The job of a professional agent has changed dramatically. Even though the basics remain the same, such as customer service, careful review of contract provisions, and accurate preparation of various marketing and contract paperwork, the “new normal” marketplace requires far more of the effective agent. For example, the property showing process has been dramatically altered due to more than 80 percent of home buyers actually viewing homes online. The agents who are trained in helping owners prepare a property for sale and are willing to take a large number of high quality photos are able to give their clients an edge in the current marketplace. Likewise, agents with a greater awareness and sensitivity to issues that may be of concern to prospective buyers are more likely to have a greater success in generating offers and also resolving challenges during escrows for their sellers.

The skills most useful in today’s world include excellent counseling, coaching, guidance, hand-holding, as well as a thorough understanding and application of the principles of a fiduciary and problem solver. Those agents who are willing to invest the time and efforts to develop these skills, learn to provide financial counseling and short sale guidance, are those who are benefiting the most from the ample opportunities available to have adjusted their mindsets from that of yesteryear.

Contact Michael Edlen

310.230.7373

Michael@MichaelEdlen.com ww.MichaelEdlen.com

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...