3 Real Estate Trends Coming in 2018
LOUISIANA REALTORS • November 15, 2017
This is the time of the year when experts take a look in their crystal ball to see what the future may hold. Whether its major changes, new developments, or simply a continuation of things from the current year, having an idea of what is around the corner can help you plan for success and avoid unexpected challenges. Here are a few things that you should expect in 2018.
Smart Home Automation
Just as smartphones have replaced cell phones, smart automation in homes is taking priority. A typical security system is no longer a differentiator. Offering platforms that can keep a homeowner connected and in control everywhere is going to be high on a buyer’s
list. Shading, light, and A/C automation to control costs, along with surveillance and cloud access can all be vital in garnering consideration.
Generation Z
As the calendar turns another year, we get closer to a new generation entering the home buying market. This year that will start to become Generation Z. Anyone born between 1995 and 2014 falls into this category, meaning the original Gen Zer’s will be turning 23, graduating from college, and beginning the home buying process. In the coming years this will be a bigger part of the shopping market.
Focus on Specialization
For real estate agents
it is becoming more difficult, and more important to differentiate yourself. Fortunately there are more tools than ever before to help you carve out your own niche. Social media, web presence, and networking can all help you attract the types of clients that you want. These platforms can also help you be found by buyers and sellers
that are looking for a certain type of service level.
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While these are only a few of the expected trends coming in 2018, they offer you a good place to start and get prepared for what should be a great year.

It’s not unusual for people to enter the homebuying process with a priority list that needs to be whittled down once they see what’s on the market. NAR’s latest consumer guide, “Defining Home Buying Needs vs. Wants,” is a decision-making tool that can help. It’s a simple checklist to help home buyers identify their needs, wants and deal-breakers. Using the form, or something like it, will help buyers remember what’s most important to them as they view and compare homes. There’s even a fillable PDF available for download. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Defining Home Buying Needs vs. Wants NEW: 10 Tips For Unpacking Smartly After A Move UPDATED: Multiple Listing Services Overcoming Roadblocks to a Sale or Purchase How Solar Impacts a Real Estate Transaction Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Check out the next consumer guide for sellers on how to ease the transition for the new owners.

NAR’s latest consumer guide, “10 Tips for Unpacking Smartly After a Move,” was developed to help ease the burden buyers may feel when surrounded by boxes. For your clients on the cusp of a move, the guide suggests establishing a priority unpacking order, wiping down each room before unpacking, discarding boxes quickly, having garbage and donation bags at the ready, and more. Share the new guide along with the companion guide “10 Tips for Packing Smartly for a Move.” As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: 10 Tips For Unpacking Smartly After A Move UPDATED : Multiple Listing Services Overcoming Roadblocks to a Sale or Purchase How Solar Impacts a Real Estate Transaction Navigating Interest Rate Shifts Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Check out the next consumer guide on identifying homebuying wants vs. needs.



