Episode 21 - Vanessa Bergmark

Diversity in Real Estate Leadership

The Real Estate Insiders Podcast, hosted by James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson, recently welcomed Vanessa Bergmark, the CEO of Red Oak Realty, for an enlightening discussion.

The Value of Diverse Voices

In an industry as vast as real estate, understanding various perspectives is not just crucial – it’s inevitable. Vanessa shed light on her role as a female leader, emphasizing the importance of amplifying diverse voices. As a real estate broker, her perspective gave a fresh take on navigating the real estate industry. As Vanessa mentioned, “It’s our duty as leaders to ensure our companies reflect the communities we serve.”

When people search for “real estate agents near me” or “real estate companies near me”, they’re often seeking professionals who have a deep understanding of their community’s unique needs and demands. Such understanding is rooted in diversity. Moreover, diverse leadership can significantly influence the way properties are listed and presented. Listings for “real estate for sale” can appeal to a broader audience when shaped by a variety of perspectives. As the industry evolves, it’s evident, as Vanessa highlighted, that there’s a “huge shift in consumer behavior.” Gaining a comprehensive grasp of this shift necessitates diverse inputs.

Knowledge is Power

During their discussion, James brought up a vital point about real estate technology. In this digital age, real estate investing for beginners is not just about understanding real estate prices or real estate taxes. It’s about understanding technology’s role.

For those diving into real estate investing, Vanessa’s mention of the benefits of real estate courses and staying updated struck a chord. As she rightly said, “You’re either going to be behind it or ahead of it.”

During the podcast, several essential skills for real estate agents were highlighted:

  • Negotiation: Vanessa shared her journey of enhancing her negotiation skills by enrolling in law school. With properties being high-end collateral in real estate transactions, mastering negotiation can offer a unique edge.
  • Differentiation and Value Addition: Keith Robinson pointed out the importance of differentiation in the real estate industry and the need to provide value to buyers.
  • Real Estate Laws: Vanessa’s journey of mastering law reiterated the significance of understanding real estate laws.
  • Real Estate Financing: With the landscape of real estate financing constantly evolving, negotiation skills can make or break a deal.
  • Real Estate Investment: As real estate market dynamics change, agents need to be adept at both selling and guiding clients in investing in real estate.

The Skillset of the Future

Vanessa emphasized the importance of embracing technology, particularly video, in the real estate industry. Given the direction the next generation is taking with technology, video can play a pivotal role in real estate listings and marketing.

The future of the real estate brokerage world is not just in understanding real estate investment or keeping track of real estate prices. It’s in understanding the value of diverse voices, leveraging real estate technology, and constantly upgrading one’s skills.