jessica.kirsh / mavo / Ton Anurak / Gino Santa Maria / kurhan / Shutterstock.com Fueled by an ongoing housing shortage, U.S. home prices surged nearly 20 percent from September 2020 to September 2021, according to Core Logic. For-sale signs that popped up in yards around the country didn’t last long. In 2021, half of U.S. homes sold in less than a week, according to Zillow. Compare this to 2010, when homes were on the market for an average of 140 days. So, will the rollercoaster ride continue this year or even out a bit? Realtor.com’s September 2021 national housing report indicates that the market will remain strong but will balance out between buyers and sellers. Median listing prices in many metro areas are beginning to fall, which is a good sign that the housing market is starting to stabilize. If you’re hoping to get a foot in the door with clients serving the real estate industry, now is a great time. When looking for a home, most buyers (87 percent) use a real estate agent, according to the National Association of Realtors. Using promotional products to market these services is a smart move. They can help real estate professionals and companies get seen and remembered, which is especially valuable in a competitive market. In a field with a mantra of “location, location, location,” promotional products provide premium brand visibility on desktops, in homes and out in the community. From sponsoring local schools and sports events to handing out promotional products at community festivals, real estate pros can use promotional products in all kinds of ways. Market Snapshot In a frenzied real estate market, some buyers made snap decisions they later regretted. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Millennials have homebuyer’s remorse, according to Bankrate. About 33 percent of boomer buyers had regrets after buying a home last year. They’re kicking themselves over several issues, including home maintenance costs and remorse over the home itself. Whether homebuyers think their home isn’t the right size or they’re unhappy with the location, related businesses, such as landscapers, interior decorators and cleaning companies, can help right some of the wrongs. Real estate professionals can co-market with businesses that can help homeowners feel more comfortable in their new abode. Welcoming homebuyers with promotional gifts can open the door to new relationships, help buyers feel more at home and prompt referrals. A Closer Look At Real Estate Agents • More than 156,600real estate agents work in the U.S. • 54 percent are women • The average age of real estate agents is 48 years old • Most real estate agents are white (74 percent), followed by Hispanic (12 percent), Asian (six percent) and Black (five percent) • They earn a median annual salary of nearly $100,000 Source: Zippia There’s Room For Everybody In addition to real estate agents, there are many other types of companies that service those who are buying and selling their homes such as: • Listing agents • Mortgage lenders • Title insurance companies • Appraisers • Home inspectors • Alarm companies • Moving and storage companies | JANUARY 2022 | 37 GROW
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