Top trend: The rise and rise of the professional agent

In an uncertain real estate market with rising interest rates and many consumers under financial stress, professional estate agents are playing a crucial role in helping both home buyers and sellers to navigate the challenges - and proving once again that success in this industry is based on a deep level of trust and respect that can only be established during long-term personal relationships with their clients.

Property owners and investors are also increasingly seeking out agents who are not only technologically adept but also emotionally intelligent to provide them with reassurance and support as well as professional guidance and a range of services covering the property transaction from start to finish.

These services include intensive market research and comparative market analyses to stay abreast of current real estate trends, pricing and supply and demand dynamics. This enables agents to assist home sellers and landlords to determine the right listing prices for their homes, which is critical in a volatile market such as the one SA is currently experiencing.

Professional agents also employ effective marketing strategies and have access to a variety of platforms to achieve maximum exposure of their client's property to potential buyers or tenants. 

In addition, clients appreciate having a trained and skilled negotiator on board to advocate for them and ensure that the transaction is concluded on favourable terms. Successful agents are also able to offer their clients access to an extensive network, built up over years, of trusted professionals and service providers who help to streamline the transaction, including bond originators, attorneys, building contractors and home service providers.

Property transactions involve a multitude of paperwork, legalities and deadlines and professional agents are increasingly also responsible for transaction management and much of the administration required, which further reduces the stress for home buyers and sellers.

Meanwhile, with high inflation and rising interest rates causing some owners to experience severe financial distress, professional agents are also able to offer a discreet service in collaboration with the banks that enables them to sell their homes quickly and avoid defaulting on their home loans and destroying their credit records.

(See https://www.chaseveritt.co.za/lifesaver/)