The rapid shift from traditional to digital industries has created a fascinating mix of old-school pros and digital trailblazers working side by side.
About 30 years ago, the first real estate listings appeared online, and only 2% of buyers used the internet to search for homes. Now, pretty much everyone goes online to list and search for properties.
Real estate changes quite often. Currently, there’s no one world in the real estate world. There are two worlds blending together. Some agents remain stuck in the old ways—and, unsurprisingly, they tend to attract only older clientele. Eventually, the traditional method of doing things will likely fade.
Which will leave us with today’s agents who are blending creativity, tech-savvy, and outgoing personalities to stand out in a competitive market and sell people their dream homes.
That is, of course, until another new era comes along to shift everything again. Time has changed in the last fifty years. We foresee some big changes in the near future which will shift everything and spin something new and unexpected.
And then the agents described below will either have to be the ones who are “stuck in their old ways” or learn the new name of the game.
While they still got game, here’s what sets these agents apart and keeps them dominating the current real estate market.
To beat the competition, our new school agents often ditch outdated norms and embrace everything from social media marketing to personal style. Whether it's tattoos, TikTok, or selling digital properties, modern agents are rewriting the rulebook and making real estate more exciting than ever.
Tattoos, Sneakers, and a Whole Lot of Personality
Picture this: an agent shows up to a house tour, rocking a blazer over a band tee, perfectly tailored jeans, and crisp white sneakers. Maybe they've got a sleeve of tattoos or a subtle wrist piece that sparks conversation. But that’s just for the market they are selling for.
Generally, real estate agents can have tattoos. But, depending on the clientele an agent typically sells to, it might not be a good idea. For example, the agent who typically works with suburban clientele will dress completely different with the Chanel bag she rented as she sells the big home on Apple Street. If she has tattoos, she might hide them.
Clients aren't just looking for someone who knows the square footage; they want someone they click with.
They want to feel like their agent is their kind of person, unique in all the ways that matter to them.
TikTok Tours and Instagram Reels: Selling Homes One Post at a Time
Why hand out flyers when you can post a 15-second TikTok walkthrough with mood lighting and a trending soundtrack?
Modern agents are social media powerhouses, using platforms to:
Create viral content that showcases properties in creative ways.
Host live Q&As on Instagram to answer buyer questions in real time.
Run polls and quizzes that engage followers and keep them hooked.
The agents that fight for spots on TikTok and become influencers themselves are the ones that attract the largest clientele. With thousands of followers tuning in for design tips, market updates, or just to see the latest luxury listings, the modern real estate agent knows that it takes a lot to stand out in the current housing market.
Side Hustles and Flexible Schedules
Real estate isn't just a 9-to-5 gig anymore. Being a real estate agent can be a regular 9-5 job, but it can also be the ultimate side hustle for those who love flexibility and a little hustle.
Agents can show homes in the afternoon, close deals over coffee, and spend their mornings doing whatever they want. So yes, some agents juggle multiple jobs or passions, making real estate the perfect complement to their lifestyle.
Remote Work? Totally a Thing
Thanks to virtual tours and e-signatures, agents can work from anywhere. It’s quite savvy.
Want to negotiate a deal from a beachside café? No problem. Need to show a house but can't make it in person? Fire up a Zoom call and do a live virtual walkthrough.
Technology has made it possible to sell homes without ever stepping into an office. Real estate agents can do a lot of their work remotely if they want to. And some people don’t mind an agent in their pajamas when they are the type of clientele that works at home, too.
Pets at Open Houses: A Winning Strategy (Sometimes)
Keep this in mind: the modern agent knows who their clients are. So, while a pet at an open house seems inappropriate and even can be annoying, it can work in the right situation.
While not common and often unwelcome, some agents use pets to add a little warmth, especially for buyers who are pet lovers themselves.
But honestly, it's not something we would recommend ourselves. After all, there is such a thing as pet allergies, dog bites, and cat scratches.
What About Haunted Houses?
Yes, haunted houses are a real thing, and selling one takes creativity. Some agents lean into the spooky factor, marketing the home as "full of character" and perfect for brave buyers. Modern real estate agents can also focus on the pricing of any house with a haunted history, typically lower than comparable homes that aren’t haunted. Agents can also brighten the space with cheerful décor and focus on the home's unique history.
I personally love history. But not roommates. The ghost would have to be really cool for me to want in my house 24/7. Either way, as always, modern agents know how to find the right buyer who loves a good ghost story.
The Phone: A Real Estate Agent's Best Friend
If there's one thing a modern agent always has, it's their phone. There are plenty of things an agent could be doing there; most of the time, it isn't playing Wordle. Real estate agents are often texting clients, updating listings, and snapping photos for social media. Most of their work can be done on their phone.
Just think about it- most communication is done with the phone. Most house hunting is done on the phone. Naturally, why wouldn't an agent be grinding on their 9-inch magic box 90% of the time?
So, whether it's scheduling showings or crafting the perfect Instagram caption, their phone is their ultimate multitasking tool.
Virtual Real Estate: The Wild West of Home Buying
Virtual real estate isn't science fiction—it's happening right now. Platforms like Decentraland let people buy and sell digital land, and some agents are already dipping their toes in.
Selling a digital mansion in the metaverse might sound futuristic, but it's quickly becoming a niche market with huge potential.
Let’s recap:
Modern real estate agents are reinventing the game. From TikTok tours and virtual mansions to closing deals from the beach or bringing puppies to open houses, they’re as bold and versatile as the market demands.
Modern real estate agents are breaking all the old-school rules by making new ones.
We still see traditional agents "doing their thing," but the age of technology has definitely shifted the dynamic. Whether they're closing a deal on a haunted Victorian or a sleek downtown condo, one thing's for sure: they're doing it with style, creativity, and a whole lot of hustle.
And yet, fifty years from now, our modern agents will be considered old-fashioned.