Technology and market changes have shaped the real estate industry, impacting both agents and clients alike. Over the years, technological advancements have made processes smoother, but they’ve also introduced new challenges. As agents, we’ve had to stay agile, adapt quickly, and guide our clients through these changes.
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shawanda Dodson-Crawford on my podcast. Shawanda, a 23-year veteran in Nashville, Tennessee’s real estate market and current president of the Nashville Chapter of NAREB, shared her story and insights on how she has adapted to these shifts throughout her career.
Watch the full podcast episode here.
Today, I’m excited to share Shawanda’s valuable insights on navigating technology and market fluctuations. Let’s dive into what she has learned and how we, as real estate professionals, can better serve our clients!
How Shawanda Adapts to Technology and Market Changes in Nashville
As Shawanda and I discussed, adapting to technology and market changes is crucial for real estate success. Over the years, Shawanda has seen it all, from faxing contracts to embracing digital tools. Here’s how technology and market changes have shaped her approach.
The Evolution of Real Estate Technology
Technology has truly transformed how we operate in real estate. Shawanda and I laughed about how things used to be when we first started.
Shawanda recalled faxing contracts, which seems like a lifetime ago! For her, the introduction of digital signing was a real game-changer. It saved time and made transactions more efficient, allowing her to provide better service to her clients.
Now, Shawanda works with Compass, where they have an integrated platform that brings all cutting-edge real estate agent tools under one roof. She mentioned how this perk helps her avoid the hassle of juggling multiple systems.
This resonates with me because I know the struggle of keeping track of different tools. It’s amazing how technology, when utilized effectively, can elevate our services and make our jobs easier.
Shawanda and I both agree that modern tools, whether for document signing or sharing listings, have improved how we connect with our clients.
Navigating Market Fluctuations and Interest Rates
The real estate market is ever-changing, and Shawanda has navigated her way through various ups and downs, especially concerning fluctuating interest rates.
When guiding her clients, she emphasizes the importance of focusing on monthly payments rather than just the interest rates. She believes that if the monthly payment is comfortable for the client, the interest rate should not be the primary concern.
Shawanda also stresses the importance of improving and maintaining a good credit score. A solid score not only helps in securing favorable mortgage terms but also allows clients the option to refinance when rates become more favorable.
This is crucial for long-term financial stability and gives clients more flexibility as the market changes.
Client Education and Empowerment
As agents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our clients understand market trends and the long-term impact of their real estate decisions.
Shawanda shared her strategy of breaking down complex information into simple, relatable terms for clients. This way, they feel empowered to make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
From my perspective, podcasting has also been an incredible tool for this purpose. With it, I’m able to empower both fellow agents and clients with the knowledge they need to succeed. That’s why I work with a professional real estate podcast production company to make sure we deliver valuable content every week.
It’s all about sharing insights in a way that’s easy to digest, and it’s something I’m passionate about.
Targeting the Right Market
Shawanda has recently shifted her focus to “move-up buyers”—those who already own a home and are looking to upgrade. These clients either keep their current property as an investment or sell it to use the equity for their next purchase.
However, she still has a soft spot for first-time homebuyers, even though they’ve been increasingly priced out of the market due to rising home prices and interest rates.
I completely understand where Shawanda is coming from. Working with first-time buyers brings a different kind of joy. It’s fulfilling to help them build generational wealth and achieve a milestone they’ve worked so hard for.
For me, it’s important to be there for buyers at every step of the home-buying process, whether it’s connecting them with mortgage brokers or helping them navigate the closing process. Ensuring they have the support they need is key to their success, and ultimately, ours!
The Role of NAREB in Supporting Real Estate Professionals
One of the standout moments from our conversation was when Shawanda talked about her involvement in NAREB. She joined the organization in 2021 and is now serving as the president of its Nashville chapter. NAREB provides a platform for real estate professionals, particularly those of color, to network, grow, and make an impact in their communities.
Shawanda highlighted NAREB’s various activities, including educational programs, national conventions, and community-focused initiatives. These programs are vital in offering agents the tools they need to succeed and providing consumers with the knowledge to make informed real estate decisions.
Being part of NAREB has allowed Shawanda to contribute to the community while connecting with like-minded professionals.
Staying Ahead of Market Trends
Shawanda keeps herself ahead of the curve by attending conferences, undergoing regular training, and working with a real estate coach. She believes that investing time in education not only benefits her business but also enables her to provide the best possible guidance to her clients.
For me, it’s inspiring to see someone so dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
Subscribe to the Key to All Things Real Estate Podcast for More Insightful Conversations with Industry Icons!
Shawanda’s insights are a reminder of how important it is to stay informed and adaptable in today’s market.
If you found her insights valuable, make sure to tune into the Key to All Things Real Estate Podcast. I regularly feature industry experts who share tips and strategies for navigating the market. You won’t want to miss out on future conversations!
And, for personalized guidance and support when buying or selling a home in Nashville, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way. Book a call with me today for a free consultation!
