By Vanessa L. Saunders Founder & CEO – Global Property Systems
In an era where expertise is often diluted across many endeavors, I’ve found a singular mission to be incredibly empowering: bringing back the unadulterated essence of competence to real estate. As the founder and CEO of Global Property Systems (GPS), I’ve observed a gradual erosion of this core value in the industry—a trend that is not just alarming but also counterproductive.
My journey to address this took me through the hallowed halls of MIT Sloan, where I delved into the intricacies of blockchain technology. Why blockchain? Because in our relentless pursuit of competence, transparency is not just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock upon which trust is built between clients and service providers. Blockchain’s immutable ledger presents a revolutionary opportunity to embed transparency into every transaction, ensuring that every party is informed, empowered, and secure.
The move to study blockchain was spurred by a realization: to be competent, one must be equipped with the best tools and knowledge. It’s not enough to do things the way they’ve always been done. In the real estate sector, where large sums and critical decisions are at stake, the status quo is a disservice to our clients.
Competence, as well-known real estate writer Christy Murdock so eloquently shares, is about mastering your craft with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency. It’s the quality that had GPS turn to blockchain as a solution for a myriad of industry challenges, from fragmented property data to inefficient transaction processes.
However, competence goes beyond technology and systems. It’s also about the human touch—the understanding that our clients’ needs are paramount. It’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence, whether we’re closing deals, communicating with clients, or presenting transparent, blockchain-verified information.
Let me share an anecdote that underscores this. Recently, a GPS client was navigating a complex property sale that involved multiple parties and jurisdictions. The process was poised to be convoluted. However, thanks to our blockchain-enhanced system, every stakeholder had real-time access to accurate, unalterable data. The result? A seamless transaction that culminated in handshakes and smiles rather than furrowed brows of confusion or discontent.
This is competence in action.
So, what can we, as real estate professionals, take from the TaskRabbit movers who impressed Christy with their competence? We can be engaged, present with our clients, and focused on the task at hand. We can be invested, genuinely caring about our clients’ outcomes. We can be interested, ask the right questions, and understand the full picture.
In these times of rapid change and uncertainty, returning to the core tenet of competence isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Blockchain is a part of this equation, a tool that amplifies our ability to be transparent and efficient. But at the heart of it all is the human element: our dedication, care, and commitment to service.
As the leader of GPS, I implore the industry to join us in recommitting to the core of our craft. Let’s elevate our standards. Let’s embrace innovation, like blockchain, that propels us forward. But most importantly, let’s anchor ourselves in the timeless value of competence. For in doing so, we serve not just our clients but the very integrity of our industry.
Let’s make competence not just fashionable again but celebrated, as it rightfully should be.
