Here are the top comments of the week, compiled from across the site by the editorial staff.
Anita Lewis · Commented on What’s hot and what’s not in 2017 kitchen trends
As a designer of European kitchens and baths for many years, it is amusing to see the trend in the USA finally go modern, sleek and functional, as they have been doing in Europe for decades. We’ve finally come around and loosened ourselves of that tired look of each stainless steel appliance sticking out like a sore thumb, ruining the sight-line, and the speckeled hen, hard to maintain granite and oh so finicky marble may be reducing as well. Goodbye and good riddance. Time to move on. Time to do new.
Wayne ODay · Commented on Why this millennial fell in love with real estate
I’ve done RE for decades. Unlike all other service businesses, the consumer believes your time and efforts are FREE and you only earn your commission when the home is sold. New agents will need a strategy to deal with this mentality with a consumer who wants what they want when the want it, even if it’s the same time as your child’s birthday. If you can’t come out, they’ll find someone that will.
Derek Abrams · Commented on Marketing To Millennials: What Agents Need To Know
First off, every Millennial, that I have met, does not like being classified. Because doing so devalues ones identity. And identity is important.
Simply put, do not use the M-word when talking with your clients in this mindset group.
Yes, it’s a mindset, not an age range.
Understanding that key point will make a world of difference. Just read Nate’s comment below.
The people with a Millennial mindset, that I have met and I meet alot living and working in two college towns, are very clear about what they think, and want. And most of these views are very unique to the individual. So don’t assume the generational profile means you understand the individual.
Get to know each person.
Their personal life history background will also be a factor, as it is for you too. I’m not talking only where they came from, but where they are and where they want to be. This also applies to their patience, tolerance, tempernent and perserverence for leaving where they are in exchange for getting where they want to be.
Casting a large net at Millennials may eventually capture some into your funnel, but do not mistake that activity as understanding the Millennial mindset. What that taught you was that the messaging you used to capture some, was also the same message that alienate the rest. So develop the relationships your campaign returned, assuming your campaign was aimed at your ideal client profile. Otherwise …
Get to know each person.
This should never be about you, or your business. This is really about a national social movement to end homelessness, and foster the acquisition and retention of homeownership. As a REALTOR, that is the prime directive you signed on to champion.
This mindset is also about a global movement to foster unfettered identity, inclusion and freedom. If that’s not you, don’t fake it.
If you do not understand the millennial mindset and you truly want to understand, then take the time to understand. Ask questions, seek understanding, learn to empathize with what drives this mindset — otherwise don’t pursue this group. Because your poor service, will cause damage to our mission as REALTORS who are serving individuals with a Millennial mindset.
And absolutely, DO NOT try to ram your Nonmillennial thinking, self-percieved market savvy, down the throat of anyone, especially those with a Millennial mindset.
At the same time, and in keeping with the Millennial mindset, DO NOT try to be someone you are not. If you do not click with the M-crowd, do not force it. Click with the crowds that you do click with — everyone will be happier.
Be. And let be.
DISCLAIMER: I am classified, demographically, as a Baby Boomer, and I also self-identify with the Millennial mindset, so I am both. And yet neither.
I simply am. Don’t fence me in.
Jim Weix · Commented on Brad Inman’s crystal ball: Predictions for 2017
One big item not mentioned is that MLS “Territorial Jurisdiction” will hopefully come to an end in 2017. This will allow Agents “MLS of Choice”, rather than being forced to join some MLS that they have no need for. Like “Board of Choice”, Agents will be able to choose the MLS which best meets their needs. This will be a wonderful thing for tens of thousands of Agents across the United States.
Additionally, “MLS of Choice” will force those MLSs, that attempt to restrain trade by not doing data sharing with neighboring MLSs, to instead serve the needs of their Agent members and home sellers.
Glenn S Phillips · Commented on Brad Inman’s crystal ball: Predictions for 2017 (in response to Jim Weix)
Hi Jim, that is a grand goal, but having joined 52 MLSs in the last four years as a full-service brokerage (not a portal or data company), we’ve learned a lot. And for a number of reasons, consolidation of MLSs or replacement of the system on a large scale is years away. A single MLS would make things easier, but data=control=money, so can’t see this being something that happens in 2017 (or 2018 either). We have ideas about where this is going, and when, but that is a longer discussion for another day. Have a great day! G
Tom Turner · Commented on What a savvy real estate agent could do to get me in a home
This is a very disappointing note – not because this buyer needed help, but because she did, and didn’t get it. Most of us are professionals, with different resources (like lenders) to work with all kinds of buyers, like a first-timer. This kind of unprofessional treatment and (lack of) follow-up gives those of us that work hard at being a true professional resource.