As 2024 progresses, I expect to see an increase in the role that estate agents play in local communities. Once perceived solely as intermediaries in property transactions, estate agents now play a crucial role in fostering sustainability and connection within their communities. This evolution has been driven by changing societal values, increased environmental awareness, and the recognition that a thriving community is the foundation for successful property markets.
Estate agents have moved beyond the traditional boundaries of their profession. The rise of technology and online platforms has altered the way people buy, sell, and rent properties. Estate agents have adapted by embracing digital tools to streamline transactions, provide virtual tours, and enhance customer experiences.
However, this digital revolution has also led to a shift in the perception of estate agents. As online platforms have emerged, the value of human interaction and local expertise has become more evident. Estate agents recognise the need to establish themselves as trusted advisors, community connectors, and advocates for sustainable living.
Positive change
Community engagement is at the heart of the evolving estate agent's role. Estate agents are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between individuals and their local communities. They have in-depth knowledge of neighbourhoods, amenities, and upcoming developments, empowering them to guide clients toward suitable properties and help them integrate seamlessly into the community. By working with local charities, such as the Trussell Trust to support food banks and help combat food poverty within communities, estate agents show how vital their position in the local community is and how their focus drives positive change.
Leaders have been supporting Cash 4 Kids, the grant making charity raises money to help children who need it most across the UK. Their mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in communities who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs.
Activities such as charity football matches and auctions raise funds to support the charity at a local level. In addition, Leaders support their Mission Christmas campaign; to collect as many gifts locally to distribute to children who otherwise would not receive a gift on Christmas Day. This involves working with local shopping centres and opening up their branches to be collection points.
But it is not just charity endeavours which support this entrenchment in the local community. Collaborating with local businesses and encouraging clients to shop locally via discounts and exclusive offers, such as that created by Portico with their Portico Places initiative, is also crucial and sustainable. By partnering with local businesses, Portico enhances the local economy, supports small enterprises, and creates a sense of belonging for residents. The initiative fosters a vibrant community spirit and contributes to the overall well-being of the neighbourhood.
Over the last decade, there has been a growing emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint associated with the property industry. Recognising the urgent need for sustainable practices, estate agents are increasingly taking up the mantle of environmental stewardship.
Commitment to local projects such as restoring wildflower meadows, planting wildflowers in local school grounds, helping migrate and restore native oyster populations in The Solent and supporting a project to restore kelp along the Sussex coastline.
Actively exploring ways to make their operations more sustainable while encouraging homeowners and landlords to adopt eco-friendly practices amplifies the impact of estate agents in creating positive change. By working with companies such as Green the UK, they can implement sustainable practices throughout their operations, influence industry standards, and inspire homeowners to embrace eco-friendly living. Demonstrating a commitment to creating long-term positive impacts helps to serve the community better and foster connections that go beyond property transactions.
Vibrant neighbourhoods
Sustainability should be a focus across the entire operation of any estate agent, not only working with local environmental groups. A focus on creating sustainable branches with eco-friendly upgrades in their offices and sharing these with home-owners, tenants and landlords helps showcase the opportunities available and encourage others to make those changes too.
Features such as energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, recycling stations, and using sustainable local materials are all available to homeowners and landlords. These solutions must become mainstream and easily implemented.
The evolving role of the estate agent in the local community goes far beyond property transactions. Estate agents have become community advocates, facilitators of connections, and drivers of sustainability. They leverage their local expertise, establish partnerships, and embrace sustainable initiatives to create thriving, vibrant neighbourhoods.
Addressing social issues and promoting sustainable initiatives, estate agents like Portico and Leaders Romans Group contribute to their local neighbourhoods' long-term viability and well-being. As the real estate industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for estate agents to recognise the importance of community engagement and sustainability, ultimately ensuring the long-term success and well-being of both their clients and the communities they serve.
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We support, monthly, our local Hour Community group who do amazing work in the market town of Framlingham and surrounding villages. They deserve so much recognition for their works in mental health via the Worry Tree Cafe, befriending elderly, the Forget me not club for dementia sufferers, taking people to hospital, picking up prescriptions, the list goes on. We are a small agency and can only do so much but we help them physically and financially where we can.
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