The real estate industry is evolving, and to thrive, professionals must adapt and redefine their value proposition. In a recent webinar powered by Equity Angels, industry thought leaders John Thorpe, Laura Monroe, Jesse Garcia, and Kim Guley shared insights on how agents can embrace change, build community, and leverage technology to drive meaningful progress.
Take a Broader Look: John Thorpe, vice president of sales at The Agency, brings a global real estate perspective with a focus on operations abroad. He emphasized that while the world is becoming a smaller place, fundamentally, business practices remain similar across regions. However, he noted that there is more structure to the process in the U.S. compared to other countries. John also highlighted that technology is the key driver in bringing efficiencies to the industry, regardless of location. He stressed the importance of being brand agnostic and prioritizing the client’s needs, stating that by shifting the conversation to the client, professionals can foster stronger relationships and deliver exceptional service, no matter where they operate.
Build a Strong Community: Laura Monroe, head of global community at Inman, highlighted the role of consistency, authenticity, and empathy in building a strong industry community. Finding the right support system can change the trajectory of someone’s career. As the industry navigates an identity crisis, it’s essential to find a community that supports you and helps you find your voice.
Embrace the Human Element: Proptech founder Jesse Garcia explored how technology can be leveraged to innovate and redefine an agent’s value proposition. While technology is valuable, it should not replace the human element. Agents must understand their value beyond technology and focus on the relationships and contractual terms they bring to the table.
Offer New Options: Kim Guley, founder and CEO of Builder Boost, discussed opportunities in new home construction and how agents can position themselves to excel in this space. By approaching builders as a resource and providing solutions to buyers, agents can create a supportive community and open new growth opportunities.
Leverage Technology to Gain the Edge
The panelists emphasized the importance of moving beyond a transactional mindset and focusing on delivering value to the consumer. Agents can redefine their value proposition and thrive by understanding how technology will improve the industry while keeping people at the center.
Equity in proptech was also a recurring theme, with panelists stressing the need for inclusive and diverse solutions that benefit all stakeholders. As technology continues to shape the real estate landscape, it’s crucial to ensure that it serves the needs of both professionals and consumers alike.
In today’s world, attention is currency.
If we want to own the narrative as an industry, we must write it ourselves. By actively shaping the conversation and showcasing the incredible work that real estate professionals do, we can redefine our value proposition and position ourselves as indispensable partners to our clients.
