I've been a licensed broker since 1998. As such, I've observed a lot of market trends and various marketing models employed to respond to those changing trends.
Back when I started real estate in Lawrence KS, glamour shots were all the rage! The larger and more elaborate one's coiffure, the better! What you drove had more bearing on your success than the actual services you offered.
Back then, there was a very flashy and flamboyant agent who advertised at the local movie theater. For 5 minutes you had no choice but to remain in your seat, clinging tightly to your popcorn and bon-bons, and endure the onslaught of Vogue-esque poses.
For many years now, I have been hopeful that the Agent-Centric obsession of our industry would finally reach its well-deserved demise. We caught momentary glimpses of hope when our collective attentions were swayed towards emerging technology, and even the occasional, temporal focus on clients (what a concept!)
Unfortunately, it seems that we can never fully depart from our consuming preoccupation of making everything all about us!
Social media is the largest dumping ground where we proclaim to the World just how awesome and amazing we are! In the past several years especially, the incessant droning of "Look at Me!" has been non-stop.
"Sold in One Day, and way above asking!" the Facebook post boldly announces!
Never mind the fact that most houses have been flying off the shelf, with multiple offers, well above listing price, for several years now. But obviously, consumers aren't aware of this phenomena!
When was the last time you saw a Doctor post a picture on Instagram of his most recent surgery?
"Performed My 200th appendectomy today! Get a load at that perfect suture!"
Or an Attorney boasting on LinkedIn,
"Just got my client a HUGE settlement today in a nasty paternity suit!"
Just imagine the significant positive shift we would experience in our industry if we all collectively focused more on better understanding and serving the needs of consumers?
The REALTOR® Pledge
I Pledge Myself...
To strive to be honorable and to abide by the Golden Rule;
To strive to serve well my community, and through it, my country;
To abide by the REALTORS'® Code of Ethics and to strive to conform my conduct to its aspirational ideals;
To act honestly in all real estate dealings;
To protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it;
To seek better to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence.
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