After decades in the real estate business, you might expect Michael Dreyer to be committed to the status quo: doing things the way they’ve always been done.
The reality is that our COVID-informed world has brought the opportunity for significant change – and that’s a good thing.
A business’s ability to adapt quickly has been key to successfully navigating the unprecedented challenges the pandemic has presented, notes Dreyer, managing broker for Langley’s HomeLife Benchmark Realty, who in his 30+ years in the industry has experienced just about every type of market and event.
Today, tapping into resources like video conferencing and home offices allowed him to reduce the brokerage’s brick-and-mortar space. While all staffing and supports remain, eliminating unused board rooms and excess office space brought savings he can pass on to Realtors through reduced brokerage fees.
The change also gives Realtors more opportunity to brand themselves in the way that makes most sense for them, and keep more of their hard-earned money, while still having one of Langley’s most respected, well-known brokerages behind them.
“What we’ve done here is one of the best things we’ve ever done, not only for us, but for our Realtors and our clients,” Dreyer says.
Recognizing that change can be tough, especially in an industry that’s used to doing things a certain way, reaction has been positive, Dreyer says.
“I’m so excited about the new format. It’s a win for realtors, it’s a win for the business and we’ve been able to make the changes without sacrificing our staff – all our team is still with us,” he says.
At the end of the day, though, it’s about the client experience.
“The clients are our employer, really, so we need to do what we can to serve them in the best way possible.”
Local knowledge matters
Part of that is leveraging local expertise and knowledge to stay on top of the diverse factors affecting the real estate industry.
Last week, for example, Dreyer welcomed BC financial expert Michael Campbell for a virtual economic update for the province, exploring the potential impact on real estate. Future sessions might welcome an expert to explore strata insurance challenges, and local real estate professional or two who have successfully navigated their business through COVID.
“We are proactive and quickly adapting while continuing to build the knowledge base for our realtors so they can continue serving their clients with insight and experience,” Dreyer says.
To learn more, visit homelifelangley.com or call
