The Vital Role of Real Estate Agents in Today's Market
The real estate industry is currently facing a whirlwind of changes—from lawsuits involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to shifts in compensation agreements with companies like EXP Realty, and even evolving roles of major platforms like Zillow. These developments have sparked conversations about whether these changes are making real estate agents less essential. But what if, in reality, these challenges are actually making real estate agents more necessary and more valuable than ever before? The Growing Demand and Supply Disconnect Earlier this year, Zillow released a study showing that 20% of homeowners are considering selling their homes. That’s one in five homeowners! Yet, we know that nowhere near that number of homes are currently on the market. This suggests a significant gap between those considering selling and those who do. At the same time, buyer demand continues to outpace available inventory, creating a market where pent-up supply and pent-up demand are both high but unaligned. This scenario highlights a critical need: despite advancements in technology and increased consumer protections, there remains a significant disconnect between buyers and sellers. Technology alone hasn't been able to bridge this gap. Why Real Estate Agents Are More Essential Than Ever Here’s where the role of a real estate agent becomes invaluable. Unlike technology platforms, a seasoned agent has the expertise to connect the dots between potential sellers and eager buyers. For instance, if a buyer is looking for a home in a specific neighborhood, a proactive agent can reach out to homeowners in that area—even those who haven't listed their homes yet. From my experience, about 6% of homeowners are thinking about selling when you engage with them directly. And often, one or two might be ready to make a deal immediately if the right offer comes along. This kind of personalized, hands-on approach is something that technology platforms like Zillow simply can’t replicate. The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions The human element in real estate transactions is irreplaceable. While technology has made strides in automating many aspects of the industry, it cannot fully replicate the expertise, trust, and relationship-building that a good real estate agent brings to the table. Security is another crucial factor. Homeowners are more likely to trust a seasoned professional to handle the delicate process of showing their homes to potential buyers—especially those who are not actively listed on the market. The core of a real estate agent’s job—brokering deals, building trust, and providing expert guidance—remains as vital as ever. Despite attempts to automate these roles, the market still relies heavily on skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of connecting buyers and sellers. The Path Forward for Real Estate Agents In today’s evolving market, the need for trustworthy, knowledgeable real estate agents is more pronounced than ever. It’s not just about having the tools or the technology; it’s about using those resources to enhance the fundamental human skills of connecting people and closing deals. The future of real estate belongs to those agents who can prove their value, earn their clients’ trust, and deliver results in ways that no algorithm or platform can. It’s time for real estate agents to step up, showcase their unique abilities, and solidify their indispensable role in the industry. Now more than ever, the market needs real estate professionals who can not only navigate the landscape of technology and regulations but also bring the personal touch that truly makes a difference. As agents, our mission is clear: to be the trusted experts that clients rely on to fulfill their real estate dreams. It’s not just about closing deals—it’s about building lasting relationships and ensuring every transaction is a successful one. Ready to make your next move in the real estate market? Contact me today for a personalized consultation, and let's work together to achieve your real estate goals. Whether you're buying or selling, I'm here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Upcoming Events in the Pittsburgh Area - August 2024
As summer peaks, August offers a month filled with exciting events and captivating experiences. Whether you want to explore new events, indulge in your favorite activities, or simply unwind and savor the season, we have curated a list of upcoming events for you to look around and visit. August 2024 Upcoming Events Movies in the Park Date: August 1 and August 8 Time: 7 PM - 9:15 PM Location: White Oak Park (August 1) and Round Hill Park (August 8) Movies to be Shown: Migration (August 1) and Chicken Run (August 8) Link for The Event: Click here Enjoy family-friendly movies and bring chairs or blankets to this event! This is free for all and guests can also bring their food, drinks, and snacks. Two Face 10K Trail Run + Road Run Date: August 3 Time: 7:30 AM Location: 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford, PA US 15090 Race Info and Registration: Click Here Are you ready to run a reversed course adventure at the 11th Annual Two Face 10K? Conquer both road and trail races in one of the most challenging and humid events of the year. Are you up for the challenge? National Night Out Date: August 6 Time: 5 PM - 8PM Location: Franklin Park and McCandless For More Information: Click Here This event is for residents and kids who want to learn about first responders and public safety providers. There will also be games, raffles, giveaways, prizes and more. Learn to Play Pickleball Date: August 7 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Town Hall Recreation Complex / Devlin Park Pickleball Clinic Schedules: Click Here Learn the rules of the game and the basic techniques in this sports clinic. At the end of the clinic, you get to play a full game of Pickleball! For registration details, register here Divine Grace Parish Family Festival Date: August 9 - August 11 Time: August 9: 5 PM - 10 PM August 10: 5 PM - 10 PM August 11: 4 PM - 9 PM Location: St. Ferdinand Church location in Cranberry Township, PA For More Information: Click Here This fun-filled, 3-day community event is open to the public and offers activities for all ages, including food, games, cash and basket raffles, live entertainment, nightly dinners, and a massive white elephant sale of gently-used treasures. Family Food Truck Festival Date: August 10 Time: 11 AM Location: 30 Glade Run Drive, Zelienople, PA 16063 For More Info: Click Here Head to Zelienople on August 10 from 11 am to 3 pm for a delicious day with Pittsburgh’s tastiest food trucks! Enjoy cold beer, refreshing drinks, sweet treats, and more. The event features a car cruise, vendors, mini golf, a bake sale, a kids zone, raffles, and live music by the Sun King Warriors. Don't miss the Zelienople Rotary Yard Sale. Admission and parking are free! Bring the family, come hungry, and support children with autism and individuals in mental health programs at Glade Run. North Boroughs 5K and 1 Mile Walk Date: August 10 Time: 8 AM Location: Greenstone United Methodist Church, 939 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 How to Join: Visit this Site Join the annual North Boroughs 5K and 1 Mile Walk, benefiting North Hills Community Outreach and the Northgate Cross Country Boosters. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just love a good stroll, this event is for YOU! Bring your friends, family, and furry friends for a morning of fun, fitness, and community spirit! Color Blast Fun Run Date: August 17 Time: 10 AM Location: Sippel Reservoir Park, 400 Reservoir Park Drive, Harmony, PA, 16037 Entry Price: $25 (includes a t-shirt while supplies last through Aug 1st); $30 after. Info and Registration: Click Here Join a colorful, family-friendly event with a 1.5-mile run/walk course featuring 5 vibrant powder stations where you'll get showered from head to toe! The course starts on a limestone path, crosses a boardwalk, and travels up a paved hill to the Harmony trail. After the run/walk, enjoy a lively colored powder toss dance party! Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival Date: August 24, August 25, August 31 Time: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Location: 112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton, PA 15089 Details and other Info: Click Here Experience a 16th Century Medieval Amusement Park! Revel with master entertainers, watch artisans at work, and savor the enticing aromas of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, fresh baked goods, and more. Vintage Car Show Date: August 25 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Ashton Commons Senior Living, 100 Bonnie View Dr, Wexford, PA Event Information: Visit Here Join the Ashton Commons Senior Living for a Vintage Car Show supporting the Alzheimer's Association! Enjoy music by Denny Dutko from the legendary Wexford Starlite cruise while admiring Corvettes, Camaros, Jaguars, and Antique Cars. This FREE event is open to the public and offers a day of classic cars and great company. Don’t miss this exciting chance to support a great cause! As August unfolds, it brings with it a diverse array of events to fill your calendar with excitement and community spirit. From thrilling races and family fun to engaging pick-up games and vibrant car shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the opportunity to connect with your neighbors, discover new activities, and support meaningful causes. Don’t miss out on these fantastic August events—mark your calendars and get ready for a month full of memorable experiences!
Zillow has revealed that 1 in 4 sellers are reducing their asking prices
...and it's not because of the election …It’s not because of the assassination attempt a few weeks ago… …It’s nothing new with interest rates (they’ve actually gone down in the last few weeks)… 1 in 4 home sellers have reduced their price based on… …It being a typical summer market. Sorry…I know we have a natural (or conditioned) attraction to big news and big stories. If you want perspective from someone who’s been in the market every day, 365 days a year for the last 8 years then this is what I’m going to tell you… If you want to know what to do if you’re thinking about buying a house right now…I’ll tell you that too. If you want to know what to do if you’re thinking about selling a house right now…I’ll tell you that too. The market starts to slow down every year in July… People still want to move…they’re just not looking as actively due to summer vacations, graduation parties, work outings, baseball tournaments, and a number of other distractions. If you want to know what happens next…the number of price reductions is going to continue to go up through August and September. People will still be buying, you’ll see the number of days on the market going up. Keep in mind 3 days on the market is not considered “normal” in the real estate business. 30-45 is still considered good in a sellers market. Some houses will continue to sell in the first weekend, if they have what buyers want… By October most of the houses listed in July-September will be sold. Typically we see a spike in activity in October from people who still want/need to buy and sell before the holidays or before the end of the year. If you’re looking to buy a house… this can actually be a great time to do it. More time on the market is a good thing for you and if you can find the right house you’ll have a better chance getting the terms you need opposed to buying in the spring. If you’re looking to sell a house… you don’t have to wait until spring. Buyers are still out there and demand is still high…You just have to be more aware of what buyers are looking for (checkout some of my other recent videos)… …and you have to price your home according to the current market… …this could mean listing for 1-2% less than the highest priced sale in the neighborhood that was on the market mid-April and closed in May or June. That 1-2% usually equals less than what it will cost you to keep the house another 6-8 months just to sell next Spring… Especially if you also need to buy a house also… Of course, there’s a lot of other factors specific to you and your needs that will dictate what’s a fair price and when is the right time for you… …If you have questions and want to hear from someone who has been in the business for 8 years and watched the seasonal sales cycles, election cycles, and multiple economic cycles then reach out on our website.
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