While it's true that the new tools make it easier than ever before to scan hundreds or thousands of available homes, or to list your property with the click of a few buttons, the same thing is true in real estate as it was in construction - a fancy new tool will never replace human skills, experience and determination. Why? Because machines aren't designed to handle the mess that occurs in real life transactions.
Take Me To Your Realtor! (image via peyri)
Before I became a Realtor/Broker, I spent forty years working on highly specialized commercial construction projects. I held a variety of roles, including marketer, estimator, project manager, vice president, and even the owner of the company. Over the course of my career, I saw many new technologies introduced to the industry that made it quicker, faster, simpler to get the jobs done. Now that I'm in real estate it's more of the same, and I often read articles wondering whether new technology will make Realtors obsolete.
I was recently introduced to the concept of the Deal Doctor - the person who makes the transaction happen no matter what, and that has been my job for forty-five years. When I was in the construction industry, I never woke up in the morning wondering if there would be a problem with the many projects I was managing. I woke up knowing there would be problems, but I was confident that my team and I could solve them. This is very much like the real estate business - every day produces new road blocks, big and small, that will require my problem solving skills to keep the deals moving forward.
One client might learn that new regulations from a state agency are affecting his purchase of a commercial sugar orchard. Another might find out that she needs to track down new transaction forms to be able to close on her house. A young couple might need advice on whether to hire an attorney, a professional engineer, a tax accountant, or some other outside help. I thrive on solving these kinds of problems for my clients. Does a piece of software have the experience to see the issues coming, the contacts and experience to fix them quickly, or the ability to look you in the eye and tell you everything will be all right? Not any that I've seen.
As an experienced Realtor/Broker who has run his own business and worked in upper management, I have developed the skills necessary to carry your transaction to fruition. I have experience reading prints and survey documents, analyzing technical reports and MSDS sheets, and telling my clients what it all means in real world terms. Over the years I've also developed abundant negotiation skills, representing clients on multi-million dollar transactions. I've also been told I have the proper "sense of urgency," and the strength to get the job done for my clients.
Real estate transactions need more than a new app or algorithm in order to be successful - but that doesn't mean I shy away from modern tools. I have access to some of the best technology in the business and I use it for my clients every day. If you're thinking about performing your own real estate search, or settling for an inexperienced Realtor, just remember that a tool is only as good as the person who is using it. You would be better served by an educated and knowledgeable advisor who can roll up his sleeves to solve the unique problems, irregular negotiations and last minute emergencies that will almost always arise.