## Real Estate Broker and Team Leader Ashley McCoy Talks Market Trends and Boss Lady Power
**Key Takeaways**
– The real estate market is shifting, with more investors and institutions buying up properties, creating a challenge for individual homebuyers.
– Realtor commissions are changing, with buyers now potentially being responsible for paying their own agent’s fees.
– Real estate is a long-term game, and while the market may fluctuate, the trend line historically shows prices still increasing over time, making it a strong investment strategy.
– Networking and social media presence are essential for real estate agents to stay visible and build relationships with potential clients.
– Continuing education is crucial for real estate professionals to stay up-to-date on market trends and navigate the ever-changing landscape.
– Women are increasingly taking charge in the real estate industry, and empowering each other is vital for growth and success.
**A Shift in the Market**
Ashley McCoy, realtor, broker and founder of the Real Deal Firm, discusses the current real estate landscape, revealing insights into the challenges facing individual homebuyers and the evolving dynamics for both investors and agents.
McCoy emphasizes that real estate is a long-term game. “The trend line is always still going up, even though the prices, you may see year-over-year, go up and down…it’s a long-term game because you got to be able to weather the storms,” she explains. While prices may fluctuate, the historical trend line points towards a continuous upward trajectory. “You really can’t do short-term, if it’s flips, but as far as to really see your investment, it’s a long-term game.”
However, the market is shifting dramatically, with more institutional investors, particularly hedge funds, entering the scene. “[They] knew when to invest. They invested right before the market flew and went 27% up over value in these last couple years,” McCoy reveals. These institutional investors are buying properties in bulk, often cash, significantly impacting the market for individual buyers. This leads to less availability and often higher prices, creating a challenging environment for first-time homebuyers. “The handwriting is on the wall…Take possession, own the land. The land is not being built anymore—that’s why it’s so valuable.”
**The Changing Landscape of Commissions**
McCoy also highlights the recent changes in real estate commissions, specifically impacting buyer agents. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has been involved in a lawsuit challenging the traditional commission structure, leading to a shift in how these fees are presented and paid. “The commission has always been negotiable,” McCoy explains. The lawsuit resulted in a ruling that the commission structure was “anti-competitive” and has prompted a change where “the commission is usually shown what [the buyer’s agent] would get.” This means buyer agents will now have to be upfront with their clients about their fees, requiring them to directly negotiate these charges.
“They’re going to sit at the table with you, no longer and tell you that a seller’s paying my commission; I’m going to say to you, you have to pay my commission.” This transparency can be a challenge for clients who weren’t prepared to directly cover agent fees. However, it promotes a more transparent model that empowers buyers to make informed decisions about paying for representation.
**Navigating Real Estate: Education and Networking**
McCoy stresses the value of education and networking in real estate, especially in this changing market. “Think about schools, think about growth, think about what’s happening in the areas. If there’s potential for more…get familiar with that,” she advises. She emphasizes the need for agents to constantly be learning and up-to-date on market trends and regulations.
With the rise of AI in real estate, McCoy believes understanding this technology is becoming increasingly important. “If you’re not learning AI, or if you’re not putting yourself in a position to be acclimated with the advancements, you