In last weeks post, Growing with the Market, we talked about how shifts in US demographics impact real estate.  Today I came across an interactive tool on The New York Times that allows you to "explore different types of American households and see how they have changed overtime." 

Most agents would agree that the creation of their professional brand is a central step in the marketing of their real estate services.  But, often agents get so lost in the creation or image of their brand that they forget the most important

How well do you know the agents in your office?  Do you take the time to talk and interact with them, or do you run in and out of your office as quickly as you can; only focusing on necessary tasks? If the latter sounds like you, you may be missing out on valuable relationships that can benefit your business.  

What would you say if you were approached by a brand new agent with the question, “What is your advice for me as I enter the real estate business?” Would you tell them to start by building their client base and marketing their bra

Every 10 years our nation conducts a population and housing census.  The most recent census was conducted just last year and the results can be found on the official census website, www.census.gov.  The census data can be extremely useful for many industries, including real estate.  Wendy Forsythe detailed this in her recent article, Demographic Shifts Change Housing Market.  As Forsythe points out, changes in society can and will directly impact purchase decisions in the real estate market.  No longer is the typical real estate client a family with two kids and a dog.  More and more singles, couples with no children and blended families are purchasing homes.  And, when you combine these demographic shifts with the current real estate market, the type of home a buyer is looking for has also changed. Therefore, if you want your real estate business to continue to grow and expand, it has become necessary to stay in touch with demographic and market shifts.  How can you do that?  It’s simple – follow your local news, talk to your colleagues about the type of clients they are working with (and what their clients are looking for in a home), monitor local and national real estate trends and read industry articles, magazines, blogs and commentary.  Chances are you are already doing some of these already, as well as a few of your own.  If so, keep it up - and continue to expand your knowledge as a real estate professional.