Sarita Dua is principal broker at Keller Williams Realty Professionals/The askSarita Team.
Are you optimistic about 2015?
Most certainly! 2015 is going to be a great year. With rising prices, low inventory, low rates and bidding wars fueled by a U.S. economy that is back with a strong stock market and low unemployment — all systems are go. We are poised for a fun ride!
The economy?
Yes — demand will stay high as long as the rates stay low, and inventory is low due to delayed housing starts.
The housing market?
Yes — there is still a lot of pent-up demand out there, and the economy in the U.S. is strong. It would be stronger overall if it were not for the global aftereffects of Europe’s economic conditions.
Your success?
Yes! We are still in an industry, one of the very few, where we get to get up and control our destiny by what we do and the attitude with which we do it. It is a great time to sell real estate and help people achieve the American dream!
What are you worried about?
I worry about the crazies out there and the safety of our industry. In the name of customer service, we meet strangers alone to show them homes, and the standards and the processes are undoubtedly changing. It is time to stop doing what we have always done — open houses, blind sign calls — some of the traditions we have had while selling real estate need to be re-examined and updated for today’s times (and tools).
How much do you fret about global events?
I don’t really worry about what we cannot control, although they will affect me greatly.
Will mortgage rates go up or down next year?
They will stay the same or go up. They will not go down.
Will home prices appreciate next year?
Yes.
Will agents be more productive next year? Why or why not?
Yes, those who want to prosper will have to be more productive to make it. We are seeing a shift in the market, and it will take a little more work to achieve the same results.
Will the portals play a bigger role in real estate next year?
The portals present information that is available in many other formats. They will aggregate but will not play a bigger role. They simplify the data available, but they will not take the place of service-delivery models in the supply chain.
What will be the biggest source of real estate leads next year?
Referrals from clients and the sphere.
Are you making plans to expand, contract or maintain your business this year?
Expand.
What is the biggest challenge for the industry in the coming year?
Talent generation and working on expanding team models and finding the right people to work with.