What’s Changed in Real Estate in 29 Years (And What Still Matters Most Today)

After nearly 30 years in real estate with RE/MAX, I’ve seen just about everything—hot markets, slow markets, bidding wars, crashes, and everything in between.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

A lot has changed in real estate… but the most important things really haven’t.

Let’s break it down.

What’s Changed in Real Estate

1. Everyone Has Access to Information Now

When I started, most buyers and sellers relied almost entirely on their agent for data.

Now? You can pull up:

• home values
• neighborhood stats
• mortgage rates
• active listings

in seconds.

That’s great—but it also means there’s a lot of misleading or incomplete information floating around. Online estimates are a starting point, not the full story.

2. Buyers Are More Informed (But Also More Confused)

Today’s buyers usually walk in having done hours of research online.

The problem isn’t lack of info—it’s too much of it.

One site says one thing, social media says another, and friends give outdated advice from years ago.

My job has become less about “providing info” and more about helping people interpret it correctly.

3. Marketing a Home Is Completely Different

Marketing a home today is almost unrecognizable compared to 20–30 years ago.

Now we have:

• professional photography and video tours
• online listings reaching thousands instantly
• digital contracts and e-signatures
• social media exposure within hours

Homes don’t just get “listed” anymore—they get launched.

4. The First Week Matters More Than Ever

The early days of a listing are critical.

When a home is priced right and presented well, most of the attention it gets happens in the first 7–10 days.

That early momentum often shapes:

• final sale price
• number of offers
• negotiation leverage

Timing and preparation matter more than ever.

What Hasn’t Changed (And Probably Never Will)

1. Location Still Drives Value

No matter how much technology changes, location is still everything.

Good schools, strong neighborhoods, convenience, and lifestyle still matter most to long-term value.

That’s been true for decades—and still is today.

2. Pricing Correctly Is Still the Most Important Decision

You can’t out-market a poorly priced home.

If a home is priced right, it creates urgency and competition.

If it’s overpriced, buyers hesitate—and hesitation kills momentum.

That hasn’t changed in 29 years.

3. Real Estate Is Still Emotional

Even in a data-heavy world, real estate is still emotional.

Buyers fall in love with homes.
Sellers have memories tied to properties.

And those emotions still drive decisions more than spreadsheets do.

4. Experience Still Matters in Negotiation

Markets change, but negotiation still matters in every transaction.

It’s not just about price—it’s about:

• terms
• timing
• repairs
• contingencies

Knowing how to navigate those conversations still makes a real difference.

Final Thoughts

Real estate today moves faster, feels more digital, and is more transparent than ever.

But at its core, it’s still the same business it’s always been:

People making one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of their lives.

After 29 years, I can say this confidently:

Technology helps.
Data helps.
But experience is what brings it all together.