By Jerry Rossi

The day of the real estate agent riding in like the Calvary with a satchel of knowledge saving the day for sellers is gone, along with 49 cents a gallon gas, airmail, and the 1900s.  Real estate agents of yore were the purveyors of knowledge and thats what the clients paid for.  The adage Knowledge is Power just isnt true anymore.  Knowledge is instantly everywhere.  If you can think of it, you can Google it, as is done millions of times a second! 

The Internet has changed the landscape of real estate like a bulldozer blades a lot.  Within this change, some are designing the foundation, some are driving the dozer, some are watching in awe, and the balance are saying, That wont work in our area. 

In that we are no longer the source of knowledge, who are we?  We are still agents and brokers; however, weve changed hats from a size too big to one that fits just right.  Yes you heard correct, this new hat is a good thing.  We now wear the hat of Advisor.  The Advisor hat has worked for quite some time for successful associates (see the success expectation below) and perhaps this is what has made them successful.  The balance of the real estate community is now forced to wear this hat or they will be forced out.

Whenever change happens in our industry, it acts as magnesia of sorts by cleaning out those who are stuck in old ways, negative associates and brokers who find difficulty in justifying their fee, those who fear change, and finally those who got into real estate because its easy, fast money.  If you believe that its easy, fast money, Ive got some swamp land to show you.  This change and industry cleansing has caused quite a stir in the media, as do most things negative.  I recall past hurdles of; declining property values, 19% interest rates, lead paint, asbestos, and radon.  But as in all changing industries, the cream will rise to the top.

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