Jeff Detwiler: A very positive trend we’re seeing is reurbanization and a desire to live in an urban setting. We’re seeing a lot of renovation work and changeover in buildings that are bringing people downtown. We’re also seeing the creation of town centers that include retail, entertainment and residential space.
Rick Davidson: Because numbers today are far below where they have been historically, we will see growth and growing demand from first-time homebuyers. Also, Century 21 recently conducted a survey looking at the importance that singles are playing in the real estate market. According to NAR data, 32 percent of all real estate purchases in 2013 were made by single homeowners. We think singles will continue to play an important role in the purchase market next year.
Linda Sherrer: We’re also seeing the trend of young, single homebuyers. While there will always be an investor market, the institutional investor has waned, and that frees up properties for the first-time homebuyer. We’re also seeing a trend of boomers who don’t really want to downsize or right-size, but rather, want the same square footage as their home in a condo that doesn’t require all the work.
Sherry Chris: While all market segments are vital to our business, we have two particular segments of focus: first-time homebuyers and luxury consumers. Buying a home is an emotional process, especially for first-time buyers who are unsure of what to expect. We need to be their trusted advisors before, during and after the transaction. Additionally, the luxury market is so competitive, and we strive each day to provide our affiliates with targeted training, marketing resources and high-end assets to provide the specific kind of service and luxury insight the affluent consumer expects.
Jeff Sposito: We expect the luxury, investment and move-up/move-down buyers and sellers to play a big role in our market next year.
Tom Woiwode: While we look at all market segments as opportunities, we find new construction, first-time, move-up and luxury as our biggest opportunities. We are gearing up for next year with an eye to each segment, and devoting resources and efforts to each.
MP: What do you believe will be key to success in 2015?
D.B. Wilson: Building and cultivating our relationships within the community. We have begun seeing great success from our involvement through social media in our efforts to help promote small businesses and the many worthwhile non-profits in our area.
Jeff Sposito: In 2015, we will be focused on target marketing to identify “new” demographic groups and training our agent population to work with these demographics.
Jeff Detwiler: In 2015, I think every broker has to be very aware and responsible in terms of cost structure. We all spend a lot of money. If it doesn’t drive transactions and doesn’t support agents, then why are we doing it?
Christy Budnick: Focusing on listings. That’s key to a successful year. To do that, you need to be focused on the client experience. We need to make sure that we are the place people think of when it comes to listing homes.
Rick Davidson: Back to basics is a critical strategy—working your sphere of influence, leveraging technology in the marketplace, prospecting, serving your customer in the best possible manner, and leveraging every resource you have available. In order to get listings, you have to focus on the basics. They go together.
Sherry Chris: Success to me means our brand continues to align with innovative brokerages and sales associates that share our core values of Passion, Authenticity, Innovation, Growth and Excellence. With growth, we will continue to challenge ourselves to seek out new ways to approach our business and empower our stakeholders.
Tom Woiwode: We believe in a positive and supportive atmosphere to work in. We believe that technology is a tool, and not the goal. We believe in providing excellent customer service to each other so we can provide it to our customers. We believe in doing things the right way the first time. Last but not least, we believe this is a people industry, and no technology will replace a trusted relationship, nor replace the service of a REALTOR®.
