This week of my internship was focused on learning the fundamentals of how real estate research, property evaluation, and client interaction work in practice. I met with Troy to go over some basic tools he uses on a daily basis, specifically the county Beacon website. This provided much deeper and more detailed information than what is typically available on websites such as Zillow. While Zillow is useful for general information, the county Beacon allows agents to see structural details, property records, building materials, and past assessments. Learning these tools helped me understand that real estate evaluation involves much more detailed research than what the average buyer sees.
We are not starting from scratch with Troy’s current clients. This allowed me to step directly into an active situation rather than simply observing hypothetical examples. One of the most valuable parts was being able to attend a showing with Troy where I was able to observe his style. To be brief, his style is critical and detail-oriented. He examined all aspects from the direction water flowed to long-term maintenance concerns. Prior to the showing starting, I was presented with a rare opportunity. Due to GPS issues, I was able to introduce myself independently and engage in conversation. We talked about my internship, my studies and Cornell College. I was able to present myself professionally and confidently, explaining that I was there to observe and learn.
Later in the week, I attended another property visit, but this time it was from the perspective of the seller. Troy had used his knowledge of the market and some of the same tools such as the county Beacon from earlier to give the client a ballpark estimate. He gave the homeowner advice on how they should prepare the house before pictures are taken next week. These suggestions were mostly focused on improving presentation. This showed me how important first impressions are, especially since most buyers see homes online first.
This experience so far has helped me better understand that real estate agents play an important role for both the buyer and sellers. When working with buyers, Troy focused on identifying potential problems and helping them avoid making a bad investment. When working with the seller the goal was to help them present their home in the best possible way to increase its value and attract buyers. I also have begun making posters and newspaper advertisements which I am hoping to have finalized next week. These will help me better understand that it is not enough to just have a home listed for sale on a piece of paper. The design, wording, and overall presentation can influence whether someone becomes interested in a property or you as an agent. This situation has opened my eyes and helped me see that real estate marketing is equally important to helping a property sell.
Overall, this week helped me realize real estate involves much more than just showing people homes. It requires research, evaluation, marketing, and communication. I learned how tools like the county Beacon website are used by agents to make more informed decisions. This internship is helping me connect my business and economics classes to real-world situations. It has also helped me become more comfortable in a professional environment.
As I continue this internship, I hope to become more involved in the process and continue to learn more about how real estate works. This experience has already given me valuable knowledge and has put me in a position to understand the skills needed to be successful in this field.