Ryan Serhant, one of the world’s most renowned real estate agents, has captured the attention of millions not only for his million-dollar deals but for his ambitious spirit, persuasive charm, and his ability to teach aspiring realtors. With over $5 billion in closed sales, Serhant has set a high standard in high-end real estate sales, and realtors everywhere can draw important lessons from his management style, strategies, and adaptability. But real estate is an evolving field, and even Serhant’s level of success comes with its own set of challenges. As we move toward 2025 and beyond, realtors will face emerging obstacles that will demand the adaptability, charisma, and technological savvy that Serhant has mastered.

Lessons from Ryan Serhant’s Success

1. Mastering the Art of Persuasion

Serhant’s persuasive skills are legendary. In the world of high-end real estate, he is often tasked with selling properties priced well into the millions, sometimes with unique features that might appeal to only a small niche of buyers. His ability to build rapport quickly, ask the right questions, and, crucially, identify what the client truly values in a property is key. Serhant often talks about “finding the ‘why’ behind the buy,” a principle that helps him match clients with properties that go beyond just square footage and amenities.

2. Building a Personal Brand

Serhant’s approach to personal branding is another major takeaway for realtors. He has crafted a brand that exudes luxury, energy, and reliability—a brand that helps him stand out in an industry with over 3 million licensed agents in the U.S. alone. Realtors today must go beyond traditional advertising and leverage social media, public relations, and digital platforms to create a unique brand image. According to the National Association of Realtors, 44% of buyers now start their search online, making a strong online presence more essential than ever.

3. Expanding Through Teaching and Empowerment

One of Serhant’s most remarkable qualities is his willingness to share his knowledge with others. Through platforms like his “Sell It Like Serhant” courses, he imparts his wisdom on negotiation, relationship-building, and deal-closing. This not only adds to his brand but helps build a loyal following of aspiring real estate agents, positioning him as a thought leader in the industry. Realtors today can benefit immensely by taking on similar mentorship roles, as clients increasingly gravitate towards agents who are not only knowledgeable but educators in the field.

4. Relentless Ambition and Continuous Growth

Serhant is known for his relentless ambition. He built one of New York’s top real estate firms from scratch and consistently finds ways to expand. His motto, “Expansion always, in all ways,” captures his approach to growth, emphasizing that he’s never content to settle. Realtors can apply this mindset by constantly looking for new opportunities, whether that’s expanding to new neighborhoods, targeting different demographics, or exploring emerging property trends like eco-friendly builds or smart homes.

Serhant’s Approach to Managing High-End Real Estate

Working in luxury real estate requires exceptional attention to detail and an understanding of unique client needs. Serhant’s management style is defined by a combination of rigorous attention to every client interaction and a positive, empowering work culture that allows his team to thrive. He encourages a high level of autonomy while setting high standards, which fosters innovation and a sense of ownership in his team members. This management style is something any realtor can adopt, especially when building or growing a team.

Serhant is also not afraid to spend money on technology that enhances the client experience, like virtual tours, high-end photography, and 3D renderings. This allows him to showcase properties in a way that resonates with affluent buyers and outshines the competition.

Challenges in Real Estate Today

While Serhant has mastered many aspects of real estate, there are significant challenges facing the industry today:

• Inventory Shortages: Inventory shortages have impacted real estate markets worldwide, making it harder to meet buyer demand and pushing up prices. This is especially challenging for new agents trying to break into the industry, as securing listings has become more competitive.
• Interest Rate Increases: Mortgage rates in 2023 reached levels not seen in decades. For many buyers, this has decreased affordability, and for sellers, it has led to a reluctance to list properties and give up their lower rates. Realtors must be prepared to counsel clients on alternative financing options or negotiate deals that can help mitigate these concerns.
• Economic Uncertainty: With economic changes impacting everything from lending policies to construction costs, realtors are navigating a much more volatile market. High inflation and concerns over economic slowdowns mean that deals may take longer to close as buyers become more cautious.

Anticipated Challenges in 2025 and Beyond

1. Increasing Demand for Tech-Savvy Realtors

Clients today expect more from their real estate agents than ever before. High-quality video tours, drone footage, and even VR home showings are becoming standard. According to the NAR, 73% of buyers say they are more likely to choose agents who use virtual tours and videos. Agents who resist integrating technology may find it difficult to stay competitive.

2. The Growth of the Digital-First Buyer

Millennials and Gen Z are expected to make up a large portion of the housing market in 2025 and beyond. These generations are digital-first and expect a seamless online experience, from browsing listings to signing documents. A report by Zillow shows that 68% of younger buyers would consider buying a home entirely online. Realtors must invest in digital skills and partner with tech-forward companies to meet these expectations.

3. Increasing Competition from Real Estate Tech Platforms

New platforms like Zillow Offers, Opendoor, and Redfin are changing the landscape, offering buyers and sellers alternatives to the traditional agent experience. As these platforms become more robust, realtors will need to offer added value to justify their commissions.

4. The Rise of Remote Work and Shifting Buyer Priorities

As remote work continues to shape the housing market, buyers are now seeking properties outside major urban centers, opting for locations with more space and lower costs. This shift means realtors must adapt to working in a broader range of areas and catering to different types of housing needs, from city condos to suburban or even rural homes.

How Tech-ke Can Help Realtors Build Their Brand

In this rapidly evolving market, having a professional, tech-forward website is crucial for any realtor. Whether you’re new to real estate or have been in the industry for decades, Tech-ke can create a site that sets you apart. We specialize in designing visually stunning websites that incorporate high-quality videos, drone footage, and the latest technology to help you attract more clients.

Let’s build something great together. If you’re ready to grow your business, get in touch with us at Tech-ke today and learn how we can help you create a website that resonates with the buyers and sellers of 2025 and beyond.

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