In a recent panel discussion amongst successful real estate agents in this area, the topic of the "Future of Real Estate" was discussed at one point and the obvious point was centered on REALTORS(r) in the future. In order to speculate on the future, one must first understand what their purpose is today.

The point was brought up if you ask many people, including real estate agents, what the most important feature a REALTOR(r) has to offer, they'd reply, "They (or, I) have the MLS."

In other words the perception is still that a real estate agent is the "Keeper of Information"

In the world of today where so much information is free, and everyone wants something for nothing, you can see why there is some resistance to using a real estate agent for some people. Many of the Real Estate Boards on the national, state, & local levels confirm this attitude of "Keepers of Information", however, in the circumstance where they actually run the MLS, then they are the keepers of information. It's how the allow others to have access to this information that is continually being debated.

I was a real estate investor for 7 years prior to getting my license at the encouragement of the real estate agents I worked with. I finally did get it because I wanted full access to the MLS.

Only after I had my license and began taking on friends as clients did I start to realize that a REALTOR(r) is much more than the "Keeper of Information". A real estate agent is truly a super Consultant. Just as a business will hire a professional to come in and consult them on their business transactions. Individuals hire a REALTOR(r), a real estate professional, to assist them in their real estate transaction. Not that REALTORS(r) need to be lawyers, but we do need to understand real estate law, particularly as it applies in the area(s) that the agent is practicing.

As Consultants we may advise and direct, but ultimately it's the client(s) decision to make. We have more knowledge of traditional and alternative ways to handle a real estate transaction such as Conventional Financing (traditional), or Contract for Deed (Alternative). We have alternative ways to write up a contract other than simply "I'll buy if you sell", such as Seller Leasebacks, Buyer Leasebacks & Option Periods.

When something goes awry in a transaction, the Consultant usually knows how to handle the situation so that it can be resolved or abandoned with the least amount of lost capital. Through the Consultant's contacts they are able to refer their client(s) to a Mortgage Lender, Landscaper, Handyman and more.

When listing a house, the Consultant is able to give their client advice based on their previous experience with why their house is or isn't being shown and to why or why not they are receiving offers.

First and foremost I do think that a real estate agent is a Consultant. However, I also think that they are definitely salespeople if they are Listing a property. A good Salesperson has good product knowledge and lives to provide good Customer Service. Good Customer Service is key to selling in retail environments, wholesale environments and even real estate.

For example, I once drove to an Arby's for lunch. What is Arby's known for? Roast Beef, right? Well, as I drove up a customer leaving the restaurant stopped me and warned me that they ran out of roast beef. WHAT!? I didn't even stop. I kept going and went to Chic-fil-a, who still had Chicken, thank goodness. If you want a tennis racket and go to the store and find that they are sold out, what do you do? Wait for them to restock, or go to another store? Chances are that if you live in a larger city and have the option, you'll go to another store. Have you ever been to a store and had a question on a product but could find no help anywhere? I have! I even had this experience on a dreaded car lot. I couldn't get a salesperson to come out and answer my questions if I had fireworks going off! I guess it was too hot. So, I drove to another car lot.

The point being that in real estate sales, where most For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings fail is in the customer service department. How can they excel afterall, they have their own jobs & family affairs to tend to. I have had customers call me while standing in front of the house wanting to view it right away. I've had others that could only view the home on the holidays, or weekends. Many FSBO owners are vacationing on holidays and weekends, not waiting at home to show their house! If someone calls during the day, they're probably at work.

Real Estate Agents market a property so that it gets as much exposure as possible using innovate technologies and services. We understand these a little better than the general public because this is what we do for a living, study these options.

No doubt that someone could spend hours pouring over information on how to market their home, could try and free up their schedule so that they are readily available to show their home to potential buyers and study yet some more about real estate law as it pertains to contracts, closings, escrow and more...OR they can hire a qualified REALTOR(r).

Personally, I have no problem if there is a MLS that the public has access to. I'm not a Keeper of Information. I'm a real estate professional!