River City Home Buyers & Florida Homes Realty

How is the current market affecting buying and selling trends? The last two years have definitely been the strangest market in history! Not just the fluctuation in rates but inflation of HOI and RE taxes have gotten so many buyers not able to make it through underwriting to close. Then sellers just haven’t really adjusted with the market price reductions and people aren’t used to their homes sitting on market for months without an offer!

What technologies are transforming the real estate experience? Tech has taken the real estate marketing by storm! AI and Chatgpt are incredible tools at automating marketing for agents. But you also better get on board with social media as well. And that means more than simply sharing a listing on your Facebook page lol. You need to be marketing across channels and choosing high interest topics that your target audience will find valuable and knowing how to use SEO and tech tools to show up in search engines, etc.

How do you stay competitive in such a dynamic industry? I try to take lessons and inspiration from the top performers in my industry! I use them and their content to brainstorm my content to continually bring more relevant content out in my Youtube channel, podcast, linkedin, Instagram and FB; I rotate IG posts, stories and reels, create at least 1 podcast on my youtube channel weekly, cross post to FB and Linked In and use hashtags and SEO keywords, etc.

What’s your approach to building long-term client relationships? I try to follow up regularly with clients, and share valuable tips and information, and just check in on their life!

How do you navigate challenges like interest rate fluctuations? It’s really all about educating clients and helping them understand there are more factors at play than just interest rates, and teaching them how buying at 6.3% and refinancing in a year at 4.5 will save them hundreds of thousands versus waiting a year for a 5.3 rate!

What makes a property stand out to buyers today? Buyers want the nicest home at the best price…period! First time buyers are motivated by concessions and newer structural features on a home. Mid-market buyers are usually expanding and they want a big functional / gourmet kitchen, open living spaces, and large primary suites with chic showers and tubs, and have a much more specific “must have” list as this is going to be their “forever” or ‘forever til retirement” home! Retirees are downsizing and want maintenance-free, quiet smaller affordable spaces.

What advice would you give first-time homebuyers or investors? First time buyers should get a good agent who will negotiate as many perks for you as possible, and also teach you what is critical, versus flexible and a realistic approach to a first home (inspections, features to consider, and the longterm approach. For investors, KNOW your market, understand construction, codes, etc. and work with an agent with alot of experience in investment negotiations and analyzing the deal, exit strategies, and mistakes to avoid.