Fridge Magnets for Life’s Biggest Asset?

Realtors oftentimes state the importance of their role in helping consumers with their single largest financial transaction, the buying or selling of a home. But there is a long and important phase of the homeowner lifecycle that is sandwiched between the buying and the selling of the home, and that is managing the home when consumers own it, which is typically between 6 to 9 years.

So what do agents provide their clients to help them manage their largest financial asset? Fridge magnets. A paper calendar. A drip campaign of other homes they just sold. A plant. A bottle of wine. I could go on, but I think you get the point.

Long term client loyalty problem

Based on the little value that many agents provide after the sale, it is no wonder that many surveys state agents have a difficult time building long term client loyalty. Many consumers state that agents they work with are only after the transaction. So does the profession of a real estate agent have to evolve from a transaction oriented sales person to more of a trusted advisor, a consultative position with the consumer? What if they called themselves a "home consultant?"

Many would argue that yes, agents need to evolve their services to provide more value. The ones who already have are probably the ones who are the million dollar producers growing their business. Individual agents are realizing that they can provide better service if they form teams with specialized skills on the buyer's side, the listing side, and even managing the transaction.