There  are so many trends in real estate nowadays.  Our profession is one of cycles, as most businesses are, and one of "what's in it for me."  Yet, there is a shift happening not only in the marketplace, but also within each agent and client. 

So, the question is, how do we STAND OUT in order to remain standing?  How do we make it through the next few months as the market begins to shift again and come out on top?

First and foremost, we MUST realize that this profession, isn't about a "what's in it for me".  IT HAS TO BE "What can I do for others?"  In that regard, I want to help you as you read this with some informatin that will impact your current situation so you stay with the flow of the game and hopefully ahead of it.

Stefan Swanepoel, who as many of you know is the uber-analyst for Real Estate trends, gives these numbers:

2.4 Million people are licensed agents - According to NAR

1.3 Million are Members of NAR

725,000 have Basic Skills

400,000 have Designations    Top 17% of the total

220,000 have Advanced Training - Top 9% total

120,000 are mentored or coached  - Top 5% total

 These numbers were an eye opener.  As I look around in our local market, many agents I run into are in the top tiers.  But, the agents your potential clients run into may not be.

So, how does impact you?  Where are you in the list?  Let's say you have a designation.  So you are one of the 400,000.  When you go in to a client appointment, you may mention your designation, but does the client realize what it means?  Usually NO.  What would happen if you approached it a different way? 

What if you said, "The work that goes with this designation helps me advise you better and only 17% of all agents hold designations, so for me it is an honor to offer this additional service to you."

Would this be compelling enough for the client to say yes and see that you STAND OUT?  I think so. Further, our society is TIRED of being sold.  They want an advisor.  Advising vs. selling makes you STAND OUT.

Now, let's step it up a bit.  You have a mentor.  Now you are in the 5% of agents in the business that go beyond to achieve excellence.  That is huge!  Your clients should know - because this HELPS THEM.

Not everyone can afford a coach.  Our EXIT Associates can leverage their Brokers or Sponsors since they all take great pride in becoming a mentors to our agents.  Just as a quick example, Frank D'Angelo, in our Blaine office, hosts a Wednesday workshop every week just to tune up his agents' online presence.  That is hands on coaching at its finest.  I am fortunate that with EXIT, our trainingis off the charts.  We have local training, Traveling Trainers, Online Training, Interactive Video training, the list goes on and on.  Advanced training.  We're looking at the best 9% in the business for EXIT Associates .

If your office doesn't have that level of coaching - find it. Use the Board of Realtors, go back to RE School.  Take advantage of what is out there.  Our brokerages have an open door policy.  Just call them ahead of time to reserve a spot.  We believe that everyone succeeds through helping each other out.

Let's face it - we can only STAND OUT if we acquire and apply our knowlege.  EDUCATION IS KEY and presenting it in order to help others is what will keep YOU standing for years to come.