On Realtor relevancy NEW YORK

On Realtor relevancy NEW YORK -- Of course Realtors are relevant -- that's what our blog commenters have said, as well as everyone in the real estate business attending Real Estate Connect NYC. Allen Dalton, CEO of Real Estate services at Move Inc., and Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, tackled the agent relevancy issue Monday during a heated debate. Kelman believes that agents are relevant, but that technology is changing how consumers use their services. He said that agents see their value as something completely different than how consumers value them. Consumers want someone to close the deal, while agents think that consumers want someone to help them find a home. Dalton said that the agent population needs to focus more on skills rather than service when defining relevancy.

Inman News publisher Bradley Inman reminded attendees throughout the day that they are part of an amazing industry. Afterall, "we're not selling chemicals," he said, but the opportunity to own a home.

We're not sure who "won" the debate, but Dalton did get the most applause. And thanks to the blog commenters who helped spark up the discussion last week.

(Image caption: Allan Dalton, left, president of Move Inc.'s Real Estate Division, and Glenn Kelman, CEO for Redfin, engage in a debate Monday at the Real Estate Connect NYC conference.)

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