Spokane’s real estate market is evolving, and so are the tools and strategies that help buyers and sellers navigate it. Traditional brick-and-mortar real estate brokerages have long been the standard, with names like Windermere Real Estate leading the way in Spokane. However, the industry is shifting toward a more efficient, tech-driven approach: cloud-based brokerages like the real estate brokerage that Behler Homes is a part of; eXp Realty. Modern brokerages, like eXp Realty offer numerous advantages over their traditional counterparts, helping both agents and clients achieve better results in a fast-changing market. Here’s why I believe cloud-based brokers serve Spokane real estate clients better than traditional brokers.
The Power of Tech-Savvy Spokane Agents
The real estate industry has moved online, and tech-savvy agents have the advantage. Cloud-based brokerages like eXp Realty prioritize digital tools and online marketing strategies. This has allowed me to build a strong personal brand and attract more of a network through social selling.
Social selling—leveraging social media to connect with buyers and sellers—is an essential strategy in today’s market. Spokane real estate agents working with cloud-based brokerages use platforms like Instagram, Facebook and more to showcase listings, engage with potential buyers, and build relationships. Traditional brokers may still invest in outdated methods like print ads, and do less online. This can make it hard to compete in the fast-paced online real estate market. I have found my online presence to be of huge value to my Spokane clients. Especially when it comes to broadening their listings reach.
Cloud-based Brokerages Expand the Reach of Spokane Agents and Their Clients
One of the biggest advantages of a cloud-based brokerage is the ability to expand my reach beyond local limitations. Traditional brokers often focus on hyper-local markets, which can be beneficial in some cases but can also limit opportunities for Spokane buyers and sellers. Cloud-based brokers operate in multiple markets, offering exposure to a broader audience and helping agents like myself tap into a larger network of potential buyers and sellers.
For Spokane clients, this means access to more options. Whether someone is relocating to Spokane from another state or looking to invest in a vacation rental near Lake Coeur d’Alene, cloud-based brokers can leverage their brokerage network to find the right opportunities. In contrast, traditional brokerages may rely on more individualized networks that feel a little more "protected" limiting their ability to connect clients with properties outside their immediate surroundings.
One example of social-selling is unique videos on Instagram that get thousands more eyes on your listings!
Larger Network + Tech-forward Resources = Fine-tuned Spokane Client Experience
As I mentioned above, a cloud-based brokerage operates on a platform that connects real estate professionals across multiple regions, creating a powerful network that benefits both agents and clients. This benefit goes beyond just access to listings and regional expertise. Instead of being limited to the knowledge and connections within a single office, cloud-based agents can collaborate with professionals across the country. This access to a larger talent pool means agents can learn best practices from a wider range of markets. Over the past couple of years, this network has allowed me to better service my clients here in Spokane, WA.
Customer experience, both for the buyer and seller, is at the heart of real estate success. Working with eXp Realty, I've put an even higher priority on efficiency and convenience. With virtual platforms, I can schedule video consultations, conduct virtual home showings, and automate much of the transaction process. This means my Spokane buyers and sellers get quicker responses, streamlined paperwork, and a smoother overall experience. I'm also more in tune with client feedback (so much of this is online!) and data analytics which helps refine my services. By continuously improving my approach, I ensure a personalized and efficient process for every client.
Related: I talk so much about my positive experience with a cloud-based brokerage on Instagram, like in this post and many others!
Cloud-based Brokerages Keep Up with Market Shifts
The real estate market is dynamic, with pricing trends, inventory levels, and interest rates shifting constantly. This is as true nationally as it is regionally. The Spokane Journal of Business just release an article about climbing home sales this January 2025 in Kootenai County, ID. Things can change quickly, even in the middle of winter when it's least expected. Traditional brokers may struggle to adapt as quickly to these changes due to their reliance on legacy systems and slower decision-making structures. Cloud-based brokerages, on the other hand, utilize real-time data and predictive analytics to stay ahead-of, or in-line-with market shifts. My Spokane real estate clients benefit from this agility, ensuring they make informed decisions whether they are buying, selling, or investing.
Higher Overhead, A Downside of Traditional Brokers
Many traditional brokerages, such as Windermere Spokane, have been staples in the Spokane real estate scene for decades. While they bring name recognition and a familiar approach, with so much investment in brick and mortar infrastructure, they can also be resistant to change. Their reliance on physical office spaces, in-person meetings, and old-school marketing limits their ability to adapt to the modern digital landscape. Furthermore, traditional brokers often have higher overhead costs due to office leases, administrative expenses, and potential franchise fees. These costs can trickle down to clients in the form of higher (or less-flexible) commissions and allow for less creativity within their agent's approach to selling. With recent broad changes to the realtor regulation, not having flexibility is a hinderance to the sales process. Cloud-based brokerages operate with leaner business models, allowing agents to reinvest in better marketing, technology, and customer service.
Related: NAR Settlement Impacts on Buyers and Sellers in Spokane, WA
Community investment is not just important to my business, it's beneficial to your listing's success!
Lower Overhead, Greater Community Investment
Let's dig into how lower overhead costs allow my clients to flourish. I believe that one of the biggest benefits of cloud-based brokerages is their lower overhead costs. Without the need for large office spaces and excessive administrative expenses, I can redirect resources into my business (i.e. more money invested into selling your home!) and the Spokane community. Here are some quick examples of ways that I’m able to make a greater community or client investment:
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Creative marketing ideas: Like the time I hired Crema Spokane to set up their mobile coffee bar in front of a listing that was losing steam and was able to sell it quickly after from the increase traffic.
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Investing in trusted community partners: Like partnering with Feathers Home Staging & Design company when I know a listing would benefit from the visionary skills of a staging expert or bringing in Inside Spokane's production team to help create a viral video of your listing.
- Investing in the community through client gifts: Oh, I love client gifts and these are more than just a marketing tool for me. The more invested you are in your community, the larger your network will be. The larger your network, the more resources I have available to both my buying and selling clients Here are a few local companies I love to collaborated with:
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- Colladay Leather - Hand crafted leather goods
- Brady Lady Bakery - The most detailed royal icing cookies
- Spiceology - Restaurant-grade spices and spice blends
- Maid Naturally - Natural Cleaning Supplies
- Anchored NW Candles - Hand poured Soy Wax Candles
- Indaba - Fabulous locally roasted coffee and coffee houses
Related: Spokane Relocation Guide from a Local - check out the coffee and culinary sections!
The future of real estate is digital, and cloud-based brokerages like eXp Realty are leading the way. By expanding my reach, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and reducing overhead costs, I can provide superior service to Spokane buyers and sellers. Traditional brokerages may have long histories, but they often lack the flexibility and innovation needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced market. Behler Homes is here to fix that!
For Spokane real estate clients looking for efficiency, broader market access, and a tech-savvy approach, I love working with local Spokane residents and new community members to help them find their homes. If you're in need of an experienced, local real estate agent to help you navigate this exciting and important milestone, take a look at my listings here or reach out to me.
