Service, experience and relationships drive real estate

Customer service remains a key differentiator in the real estate industry, and often is determinative in generating future business or client references. In today's data age, clients are armed with more market information and statistics than ever before. In looking to interpret or act on this information, clients willingly engage real estate professionals in hopes of achieving great results together. Client preparation and research is neither shocking nor intrusive, as real estate deals continue to represent some of the largest financial transactions a client may ever be involved in during their lifetime, be it in the residential or commercial context. For example, statistics from the National Association Realtors (NAR) show, in fact, that the majority of homebuyers and sellers rely on the expertise of a realtor for their real estate needs. Whether the market forecast is up or down, rates high or low, prices peaking or rebounding, a knowledgeable real estate professional's advice keeps clients informed and prepared and transactions on track. While more accurate and timely information is becoming the gold standard for professionals and the public alike, a personal touch is welcomed, greatly appreciated, and sets your business apart. Although real estate services are an example of an intangible economic good, they remain invaluable in getting transactions closed. In a May 2014 NAR report entitled, Creating Value in a Changing World, a national broker was quoted as saying, "The real value a [real estate] professional provides is the experience, not just the facts." Well said. At times during a real estate transaction, much focus is placed on market reports, the physical property or closing documents; those things that generally can be held or grasped. But, the non-palpable real estate services rendered by our real estate professionals demystifies the real estate process, adding expertise and value to a transaction, and helps get everyone through to closing with piece of mind. This is because pairing keen local and industry insight with a first-in-class experience is still paramount to clients and managing and maintaining relationships is expected in today's business world. Here, consider the importance of demonstrating superior communication, listening and analytical skills, as well as overall friendliness, preparedness, and other traits that factor into a client's evaluation of services. Well-versed in this reality, real estate professionals everywhere utilize their experience and skills to identify, avoid and resolve a myriad of issues and problems, and usher deals through to completion to the benefit and satisfaction of all parties involved. The "service" in real estate service remains a business driver, even as the industry changes and incorporates new tools. Modern technology can provide real estate professionals with the information they need to do their job. Technology can offer a cleaner interface with clients. New devices and software can speed communication and transmission of information between parties. The Internet connects people across blocks and continents, and has provided a frontier for marketing real estate. Even so, utilizing technology to inform one's decisions or assist in providing time and money savings are only a couple of the many steps in the real estate transaction lifecycle. Furthermore, without interaction between real estate professionals and clients, the tools become meaningless. So let us help you to build and strengthen those relationships, by providing you with a professional real estate technology solution. At Agorafy, we work to help inform your real estate decisions, provide an online open marketplace for you to market your listings and professional experience, as well as offer features to save you time and speed the connection between you, your colleagues and your clients. Because, at the end of the day, we know that you are the one taking the technology to work! Let us make your job easier, so that you can work better, faster, and smarter. Visit us at agorafy.com today! Richard Du is the founder and CEO of Agorafy, New York, N.Y.