Brad is the co-founder of REtechSouth, managing broker and co-owner of Maxsell Real Estate, and an accomplished commercial agent in the North Atlanta real estate market. He also serves as the Vice President for the Cherokee Association of Realtors and as Director for Security Bank of North Metro. Brad leads technology workshops, speaks at round table meetings, and never settles for the status quo.
He enjoys real estate, technology, good music, nice people and dark beer. (the order varies by day)
February 25th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Brad, a very successful, but retired, agent and I were having a discussion last night about strategic market positioning and the importance of brand development. Her position is, from an economy perspective, that we haven’t quite reached the “pond scum” level in terms of reaching the market bottom. I tend to agree.
We both agreed on the importance of proper positioning as an agent when the market turns. The point was for agents to begin branding themselves for a new marketing paradigm. This is of course all about reaching the network of contacts through tech AND personal touch (the two are from this point in time inseparable). In our discussion there were two goals that must be met: 1) You must effectively leverage technology and all of the cost efficiencies that come with it, and 2) Shift to being a seller’s agent now and beat the rush.
Our reasoning is similar to that used by a successful wealth manager…the time to buy in is when everyone is running away. Agents must invest in their business which in our minds means getting as many listings as possible because the market will turn. When it does everyone wants to be a selling agent, so beat the rush. This is contradictory to feedback we’re getting which is nobody wants to “invest” because times are hard.
With technology and all of the new capabilities that are available for pennies or for free, why wouldn’t agents take this approach? You don’t want to be the one left standing in a game of musical chairs. Can you give us some front line opinions on this line of thought?
February 28th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Robert:
I couldn’t agree more about objective #1. Agents who fail to understand the value of simple and low-cost technology tools will simply be left behind. I’m not saying that all agents must master every single technology available today, but having a basic understanding of what’s available could make or break your future in this industry. Many of the tools available are simply productivity enhancements or new ways to communicate with potential clients. It’s not rocket science, just an evolution in communication and production. Too many agents fear change (especially in technology), they just need to realize that fax machines, pagers, cell phones, & email were all new technology tools that improved real estate. The tools of tomorrow just happen to be internet oriented.
As for objective #2, I am not certain that being a seller’s agent is the only way to succeed once the market turns around. Buyer’s agents will always be valuable in any market – assuming they can attract the buyers. However, there is always a thread of truth to the old saying you must ‘list to last’.
p.s.
I look forward to hearing RealtyVid’s new video technologies on March 20th!
March 16th, 2009 at 10:43 am
[...] Brad Nix from MaxSells Realty in Atlanta and a contributor on Agent Genius and Matt Fagioli from Diamond Dwellings in Atlanta have raised the bar on using Social Media to promote and stay in touch with all the attendees. • Every attendee can set up a profile page and submit you want to meet someone, you are their friend, or you are a fan. • The conference is updated on Facebook regularly • You can schedule your sessions on line and print it out to bring with you. Saves paper, and lets you plan what you really want to learn about. • Set up a photo stream on Flickr. You can email photos from your phone at sit62idea@photos.flickr.com. • Follow along on Twitter. • Set up a hashtag #rets09 on Twitter • Promoted through video [...]
March 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
[...] interaction with attendees, stage, promotion, quality…….it goes on and on – congrats to Brad Nix and Matt Fagioli for putting a quality event [...]
March 30th, 2009 at 11:23 am
[...] of their trading area. This is a rare and wonderful thing. I have huge respect for Matt Fagioli and Brad Nix. Thanks for everything you [...]