We spent a good deal of the morning brainstorming about recruiting. Nationally, and for us, the average real estate agent is in his/her late 50s. Since the market is now being driven by first-time homebuyers, and since they are mostly in their 20s and 30s, there is a disconnect between professionals and clients. Most of the agents are digital immigrants, and might have kids the same age as the buyers, so it would certainly be good to develop a pool of younger agents. Younger buyers, and sellers, have vastly different expectations about technology, about time, about how to shop for anything, and about risk.
When we thought about recruiting agents to match this profile, we realized that there are many aspects of a real estate career that would appeal to Gen Xers and Millenials. Unlike the Greatest Generation, they aren't expecting one steady career for a lifetime, so the ups and downs of a commission-based agent wouldn't necessarily trouble them. Unlike older workers, they aren't tied to an office or a standard work day--they could start at noon if they were serving sellers and buyers who shared their hours! They wouldn't be limited to two weeks of vacation every year, and their dress code would be flexible. In all those ways, it's a perfect career for a younger person. And, if their parents have to support them in this job market, as they graduate and look for work, why not enter a field where hiring--and potential--are unlimited?
