I spoke with Samia Morgan of Keller Williams San Mateo today and we discussed how she is offering unique value to real estate consumers. She agreed with me that real estate agents must continue to educate themselves as the market changes and evolves. The real estate market, in almost every city in the US, is not what it was 12 or even 6 months ago. Clearly and comprehensively understanding a target market is at the core of the real estate agent's responsibility to the consumer. Absent this understanding, the agent risks disappointing the consumer and delivering less than optimal value in the transaction.

In this vein, Samia mentioned she has educated herself on the foreclosure market and process. What a GREAT IDEA! As foreclosures increase across the US, more buyers may be interested in purchasing a foreclosure property and eventually, investors will begin to appear seeking "deals." But the foreclosure purchase is not simple. Samia reads materials about the foreclosure process, talks to other professionals who have completed foreclosure transactions and stays in touch with the foreclosure market on a weekly basis. The buyer or investor will value Samia's knowledge of the market, process, documentation, risks and benefits.

This is a solid example of a real estate agent going beyond the traditional areas of value, with education and experience enabling her to deliver increased value to any buyer or investor she works with. Thanks Samia. Keep the ideas coming.