Picture day in elementary school was always an exciting time. It was an opportunity to dress up, look sharp, line up and, one by one, have photos taken by a professional. The tradition of photographers playfully assigning names like celebrities, superheroes or professional athletes to the students always added a fun and memorable element to the experience each year.
I suspect some of us still remember our assigned name. Mine was UGA and NFL football star Fran Tarkenton.
In retrospect, I don't remember any of the photographers lightheartedly snapping pictures and saying, “Smile, you award-winning real estate agent!” Perhaps they should have.
Real estate agents certainly play an important role in many people's lives, helping them find and sell homes. While they may not have the same level of immediate recognition as well-known Georgia natives like Herschel Walker, Julia Roberts or Ryan Seacrest, being a real estate agent can be a serious badge of honor for those who excel in the profession.
Helping individuals and families navigate the often-complex process of buying or selling a home is a valuable service, and it can be a fulfilling career.
Encouraging young people to consider careers in real estate, just like any other profession, can be a positive way to expand their horizons and explore different possibilities for their future.
Quality agents are smart, experienced and bring tremendous value to their clients, especially during periods of unprecedented economic changes, such as those we have navigated over the past few years. They can look past the stream of sensational headlines and the often-misleading drumbeat of social media and provide reality-driven data and advice.
As Jason Lewris, co-founder and chief data officer at Parcl Labs, wrote in a 2022 report, “In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty and doubt.”
However, it does not have to be that way. A quality agent is focused, well-educated and transparent. They use their depth of knowledge of what’s happening with housing supply and pricing, as well as an interpretation of valuable data points, to give clients the best advice possible. The best agents are able to create clarity around an experience that can otherwise be daunting.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, “agents combat uncertainty and fear with a combination of historical perspective, training and facts.”
Savvy agents serve their clients in so many ways. They provide important historical data, expert insight and context on how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the housing market.
A good agent can also discern subtle differences and know, for example, if a local market is following a national trend or if they’re seeing something different. Together, clients and their agents can use all the information available to make the best possible decision.
Making a move across town or from another region can be a life-changing highlight in one’s life. This kind of milestone deserves everyone’s full attention. And that’s where a trusted expert comes in.
In the case of our firm, our years in the market, the broad reach we bring to the table, and a range of marketing capabilities all speak directly to our agents’ historic appeal with clients. Taking baseless fear out of the market is our specialty and something we are all proud of these days.
Back to picture day: sure, being labeled a superhero is memorable. In my case, being compared to a boyhood sports star has somehow stayed with me for years. But if that photographer had decided to call me an award-winning real estate agent, knowing what I know now, I think I’d be pretty pleased.
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty was founded in 2007 and serves as the exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate in Metro Atlanta, building upon the 279-year foundation and heritage of Sotheby’s auction house. The company has offices in Buckhead, Cobb, Intown and North Atlanta.
As president and CEO of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, David Boehmig touches every aspect of the company. His 26 years of experience in residential real estate is complemented by 10 additional years in commercial banking where he focused on real estate and small business financing.
