X and Y agents would have NO problems keeping up with needs of X and Y consumers. Quite frankly because they easily understand the overall fact of technology today is mandatory to survive, at least to some degree.

Unfortunately, the recruitment of young people in this business is dying and right now, it’s simply not happening to any great degree, at least in our neck of the woods. It’s not due to a lack of recruiting attempts, believe me. Over the past 5-6 years I did see quite a few young people enter the business, even a few recently…but sadly, virtually all of them have ended up leaving due to not having the motivation or the ability to generate enough business to help pay the bills.

We live in a time of expensive EVERYTHING. More so now than ever before people need stability, especially with income. If those X’s and Y’s trying to become a realtor don’t have a stable cash reserve or a spouse who can support them, at least initially, they are usually doomed within 2-3 months as a Realtor. Without a monstrous circle of influence and absolutely phenomenal sales skill they just cannot compete.

The agents that are surviving, in our market, are mainly the ones that have been at this business for many many years, who I see continue to tap their R&R (repeat and referral) business. They may not be keeping up with the latest technology, but they have the experience and skills that are key to keeping the fear off the table with a old or new client.

Overall I do agree intensely with your post, but in the same breath I don’t see how the industry as a whole is going to manage to revitalize this career with young tech savvy blood. As you stated, the average age of a realtor is roughly 50+ years old….the key question the entire industry needs to ask is how do we change that?

If motivated young new people don’t enter this business to affect that statistic of age, we’re looking at a major dying off of not only agents, but entire franchises and companies who sooner or later will have to face the fact that there’s no agents left in their company.

Are there companies that specialized in real estate podcasts? I am not sure how to find a vendor-or how to make one. Would the podcast be featured on my website or or blog also? Are there other places to place a podcast?

The easiest way to tap into Gen Y buyers is to get an SMS code for each listing. Check out companies like Cell Signs http://www.cellsigns.com There are a number of companies like them that make it possible to leverage your yard signs for both phone calls from Boomers and SMS inquiries from the Next Generation of Real Estate consumers.

Best of luck! Thanks for stopping by!
- Matthew

Sharon

That’s absolutely true: Technology doesn’t replace selling. However, and I think this is the point we’re trying to make: If you’re not using technology to connect with potential customers who can benefit from that knowledge and experience, then you’re equally at a standstill as a REALTOR. Or losing ground.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you come back often!
Matthew