Role of Realtors

I just read a great article on RISMedia entitled Real Estate Agents to Buyers-Can We Talk?  Here is the link: http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-10-16/real-estate-agents-to-buyers-can-we-talk/  it is a great article outlining the evolution of Real Estate Agents over the last 10 years but really the last 18 months.  I won't attempt to rewrite the article, but it is something that I think that each of us are finding whether we realize it or not.

We are becoming to buyer especially but also to sellers consultants as much as we are salespeople.  How are we preparing ourselves?  I know that this opened my eyes to a couple of areas in which I need to increase my knowledge base.  I liked the article because it nailed down what I was percieving, but not fully admitting to myself.  This article names some of the areas that we need to become expert in the conditions of our local market, mortgage programs and really the economy as a whole.  I see this becoming the way that business is done.  I also see that it is a great opportunity to success for those willing to adapt and change. 

Like I said, I liked this article, besides the three areas that I mentioned, what are other areas that you think that we will need to be proficient in to succeed?  I welcome any ideas and comments!