2024 has been quite a year for the housing industry. Interest rates kept us on our toes, the dust is still settling from the NAR settlement, agents are retooling their buyer and listing systems, we are digging an even greater hole in terms of our inventory, and now we even have insurance issues to bear. This year challenged both new and seasoned real estate professionals. Despite the challenges, there are big opportunities ahead for agents who know where to look.
Highly acclaimed by past attendees, State of the Market includes crucial information about important changes happening in our industry, historical and current market conditions, researched insight and predictions of where our market is going, and opportunities and talking-points for brokers to explore and capitalize upon.
What an amazing year it has been so far for our ENCORE coaching members! We have just completed our 7-month course around the ADU and Middle Housing changes and challenges that are coming to Washington State in the coming years due to House Bills 1337 and 1110. We have taken a deep dive on what constitutes an ADU, where to find information on ADU potential, how to learn more about how the ADU situation is being handled in local jurisdictions, and most-importantly, how to price and market ADUs depending on the buyer demographics.
Our ENCORE brokers who have successfully completed all their training, completed their exams, and who have created a CMA to my satisfaction will begin to receive their Housing Options Certification at our meeting next month. Learn more about ENCORE.
How can The Lones Group possibly top our ADU / Middle Housing training? It won’t be easy, our Housing Options Certification course has been an incredible adventure, but we have an awesome line-up of robust training content that we are rolling out for the second half of the year. This is training that that can help you attract and secure all the business opportunities you want to pursue! Check out what we have planned for the upcoming months:
With all the changes that have occurred with practices, forms, and commission over the last several months, we are going to be setting the stage for how to frame up your most powerful listing presentation yet – one that is going to help you shine for any compensation you charge for your services.
We are splitting the listing presentation into six sections:
I am going to demonstrate each with materials and then it will be your turn! When we are through this this mini-course, you will have turnkey essentials that you can apply to your listing presentation. We’ll also be recording my presentations so that you can access them through your Encore classroom. You are going to be a formidable listing presentation force!
We completed some modules around this topic when the new forms came out at the beginning of 2024. Now that you have been working with the new model for several months, sellers are actively making choices regarding SOC, and stumbling blocks regarding the buyer presentation and implementation have been revealed. We will dive back into this topic and reveal some new tools for discussing this topic with your buyers.
Past clients have earned a lot of equity in the last few years. Is it time to put that equity to work with an investment property? We will review how to explain investment property benefits to clients, hot areas for investments, finding agents who specialize in investment properties and setting up successful referrals. This can be an amazing way to generate somewhat-passive income within your current database.
While there are some clients who are ready to become investors, some are ready to trade in their local investment properties for different types of investments or investments in other areas. In order to help this niche, you need some 1031 investment property knowledge and a referral. We will supply you with both! This is also a strong lead generation opportunity now and in the coming year!
We just had an amazing field trip to Floor & Décor in Everett where we learned about different flooring options for different applications, how to use flooring and tile, new products, prepping the surface, and more! We are planning two additional field trips between now and the end of the year that provide the hands-on learning that ENCORE Members crave!
As local governments update their comprehensive plans, the effects of HB1110 are already being felt on the ground, shaping communities and creating challenging transactions. Brokers in ENCORE have already reported how these two-House Bills have begun to shape their communities and challenge transactions. Our Encore members are prepared from our middle-housing certification program offered earlier this year and we will continue to keep Encore members on the leading edge of this important topic!
We also have a VERY exciting new class that is starting in September! There has never been a better time to learn how to build!
Whether you have land and are thinking about building a home, are a real estate professional wanting to learn more about the building process in order to expand your service offerings, or are even thinking about a career in construction, learning about the home-building mechanics is empowering.
From planning and site prep to design, engineering, energy efficiency, breaking ground, design and color, tile, finishes, warranties, and more, this class will include in-depth content that you need to feel confident with the build process.
This training will include live training via Zoom, in-person workshops throughout the Puget Sound area, meeting with industry professionals, and on-site visits to see first-hand a build project coming together.
This training is like nothing offered in the industry. It is your exclusive opportunity to learn in a format like none other.
Intrigued? We’d love to have you as one of our 30 trainees!
I am very excited about the rest of 2024. I hope you will join me for ENCORE or my Homebuilding course. It is a GREAT time to learn a new skill and improve your business knowledge. Wondering which program is best for YOUR business? Schedule some time to talk with us!
By Denise Lones CSP, CMP, M.I.R.M.The founding partner of The Lones Group, Denise Lones has over three decades of experience in the real estate industry. With agent/broker coaching, expertise in branding, lead generation, strategic marketing, business analysis, new home project planning, product development and more, Denise is nationally recognized as the source for all things real estate. With a passion for improvement, Denise has helped thousands of real estate agents, brokers, and managers build their business to unprecedented levels of success, while helping them maintain balance and quality of life.