5 New Habits of Highly Effective Real Estate Agents

The impact of technology and innovation on real estate is accelerating at a blazing speed. As a result, agents must continually learn, adapt, and refine their skills to remain the go-to local expert while providing the best possible service to their clients.

Emerging technologies and inventive solutions for buyers and sellers are driving several new habits you should adopt to continue providing the best experience for your clients – and help create more inventory.

Here are five vital new habits that can set you apart from your competition and contribute to your overall success today – and tomorrow.

1. Review the pre-sale renovation opportunity with all sellers

Pre-sale renovations are one of the most effective ways to increase a property's value and appeal. As a real estate agent, you should make it a habit to discuss potential renovation opportunities with all sellers before listing their property.

Pre-sale renovation may include suggesting minor updates such as painting or landscaping, or more significant improvements like kitchen or bathroom remodels. By being proactive and helping sellers understand the potential for a substantial increase in the return on investment (ROI) for these projects, you can help them create more wealth.

Moreover, because homeowners won't pay a dime out of pocket when working with a reputable pre-sale renovation firm like Revive, you can unlock stuck homeowners: They want to sell, but their home needs improvements, and many don't have the cash. Letting your past clients and other homeowners in your sphere know about the no out-of-pocket costs when working with a professional pre-sale renovation firm will create more inventory while securing higher sales prices for these clients.

2. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your communication skills

If you love to write and excel in communication – great! Clients want their agents to be effective communicators. Research from the National Association of Realtors shows buyers and sellers value communication skills more than negotiation skills.

However, many agents find writing a challenge and incredibly time-consuming. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities to help you strengthen how you communicate with your clients. For example, AI tools can help you draft emails, create social media posts, and develop blog content. As a result, you can save valuable time and, more importantly, ensure consistent messaging.

But remember that you are the real estate expert, not AI. AI can make mistakes – and sometimes even make up facts. So, it's crucial for you and your business reputation to make sure you edit and proof everything AI helps you write.

Also, make sure the writing AI that assists you, sounds like you. You should maintain authenticity by editing everything you create to reflect your tone and voice.

Incorporating AI into your daily routine may improve communication skills and enhance client engagement. However, always double-check for accuracy and ensure your content remains genuine and personable.

3. Leverage the power of professional staging for every listing

While virtual staging is a hot new trend, it can't provide the in-person impact of a professionally staged home. Staging is a proven technique for enhancing a property's visual appeal and showcasing its best features. As a real estate agent, you should make it your habit to recommend professional staging for every listing.

The benefits and advantages of professional staging include:

• Faster sales: Staged homes often sell quicker than non-staged homes.
• Higher sale prices: Staged homes can command higher prices, increasing sellers' ROI.
• Better marketing materials: Professionally staged homes provide more appealing photographs and videos for marketing purposes.
• Enhanced perception: Staging can help potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space, making the property more appealing.

4. Learn and share the long-term value of energy-efficient appliances and improvements

Energy efficiency is important to modern homebuyers, as it reduces their environmental footprint and provides significant financial benefits. Real estate agents who prioritize understanding the intricacies of energy-efficient appliances and home improvements can provide invaluable guidance to their clients, helping them make well-informed decisions about their property investments.

Energy-efficient homes contribute to a more sustainable environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of non-renewable resources. In addition, your buyers will benefit from savings on utility bills, a compelling selling point for clients who focus on long-term value.

Buyers also will enjoy improved comfort and health. Energy-efficient homes often offer a more comfortable living environment with better insulation, temperature regulation, and improved air quality. Explaining these benefits can help you connect more personally with them and help them envision a higher quality of life in an energy-efficient home.

Because of their reduced operating costs and the growing demand for sustainable living, efficient homes often have higher resale values. In addition, Federal, state, and local governments may offer financial incentives for homeowners to adopt energy-efficient practices, such as tax credits, rebates, or low-interest loans. When you stay updated on these programs, you can provide valuable information to clients and assist them in maximizing their benefits.

Moreover, energy-efficient homes may have a competitive advantage in your market. They will appeal to eco-conscious clients. Your knowledge of this subject can differentiate you from other agents.

5. Learn and share the impact of climate risks specific to each property

No matter how you feel about the topic, climate change is a growing concern for many clients and prospects. As a real estate agent and a trusted expert, you should know the climate risks specific to the properties you sell. Your clients will likely have access to this information, so you must be well informed.

One thing you can do is help your clients assess their property resilience. Many factors, including building materials, elevation, and proximity to potential hazards, are essential to understanding a property's ability to withstand climate-related events. They can also help you advise clients on the necessary upgrades or recommend the discuss coverage with their insurance agent.

Want to know how climate change may impact one of your listings? Then check out ClimateCheck at climatecheck.com. Just enter the address, and you'll receive, for free, a risk assessment summary.

You can proactively address potential buyer concerns and provide valuable insights into the property's resilience and long-term value when you understand all the risks a client may face. This knowledge can help you build trust and demonstrate your value as a reliable source of information in the real estate industry.

The bottom line

These five new habits can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a real estate agent. Staying up-to-date with the latest innovations conveys that you are the local "go-to" agent for buyers and sellers, can help create more inventory, and ultimately help you achieve greater success in your competitive real estate market.

Dalip Jaggi is at once an active entrepreneur, a highly skilled technologist, and a profoundly passionate business leader. Today, Dalip is co-founder of Revive Real Estate, a PropTech company with a goal to help homeowners nationwide maximize their biggest investment.