The history of Paisley estate agents is murked in a lengthy and convoluted past. It reflects many societal changes and how they influenced the housing industry.
In the early 1900s, UK brokers began using more ingenious tactics to drive buyers to their homes. For example, they staged furnished homes for open houses to give buyers a sense of being home.
Origins
The origins of the estate agent industry have been a long and winding road. Originally devoted to the needs of the landed gentry, a typical early estate agent was a steward, bailiff, factor or officer responsible for rents on the most prominent property of their employer, typically a grand estate.
The modern-day estate agent combines the services of an accountant and solicitor with the ability to showcase properties in various formats, including video and virtual tours. This enables them to offer a more comprehensive service for consumers with limited time and resources.
In the last two centuries, we have witnessed significant changes in how we buy, sell and rent our homes. The internet has aided this transformation with the advent of online listing sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla. Although these sites are not the only real estate listings in town, they do capture the imagination of many a would-be house hunter.
Development
Developing a project requires the skills of many professionals, including architects, city planners, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, lawyers and leasing agents. These individuals help a developer determine the feasibility of a building project and the best way to proceed.
In addition, they can advise on legal issues and financial transactions. This expertise can be crucial in negotiating sales contracts or property management agreements/leases.
During the pre-build stage, the estate agents in Paisley are critical in helping developers understand buyer preferences and market trends. This will enable them to develop a property to their specifications and meet the needs of potential buyers.
Aside from being able to sell properties, Paisley estate agents also need to be trained in the use of technology. They should be able to communicate with clients using intelligent devices and apps, list properties in multiple listing systems (MLS), and show them properties online and via videoconferencing.
Growth
The estate agent market is expected to continue its growth. The growing urban population and rising number of residential properties for sale are significant drivers of this trend.
The housing boom seen during the pandemic has positively impacted the industry, although it may slow down in the coming years due to a lack of stock. This will mean that ‘prop-tech’ is more essential than ever to connect buyers and sellers at increasingly distant locations, with practices such as virtual tours becoming more commonplace.
With the boom in home prices, it’s no surprise that more people are entering the real estate industry. As a result, new licensing has increased since 2013.
Future
As with any industry, the future of estate agents is shaped by new technologies and a shifting homebuyer demographic. This means that investors who are prepared to adapt to these trends will have a better chance of making profits in the future.
One of the biggest trends that could potentially impact estate agents is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). This technology has already started to disrupt certain aspects of real estate, including CMAs and property pricing.
However, while AI can help determine price, it cannot replace the expertise of an agent who knows his market. This is especially true for luxury homes, where a seller may need to spend time and money on staging their home to maximise its value.
Fortunately, an agent can continue providing high-quality service to his clients without dropping fees. This can be achieved by offering transparent, inclusive and client-focused services that align with the needs of today’s market.