If you have tried to get any work done on your house lately, you may have noticed that it is a hassle. It may take weeks just to get someone to come to your home to check out the job. This is likely related to the national labor shortage for skilled workers and tradespeople.  

Why Is There a Skilled Trade Labor Shortage? 

Over the years, the United States has seen a decline in people entering the trades and careers in construction. At the same time, demand has increased. This skilled labor shortage is a result of several different factors.  

One issue is that many current skilled trade laborers are reaching retirement age. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 1 in 5 construction workers are older than 55, and the average age of retirement is 61.¹ It is clear that the construction labor shortage is exacerbated by age.  

Another report found that 40% of people in the skilled trades (cement masons, concrete finishers, painters, roofers, electricians, first-line supervisors, and more) are over the age of 45. Also, less than 9% are between the ages of 19 and 24.²  

Along with the aging of existing tradespeople, there is also less interest in skilled labor jobs from the younger generations.  Over the years, there has been a growing emphasis on going to college and white-collar jobs. This stress on getting a four-year college degree is usually in opposition with the training for the skilled trades.  

From 1961 to 2020, the number of full-time students enrolled in college in the United States increased from 2.4 million to 11.6 million.³ While there has been a large boost over the last several decades, trade schools have seen a bump in enrollment in more recent years. For example, enrollment in construction trade programs grew 19.3% from the spring of 2021 to the spring of 2022.⁴ While this is promising, there is still such a high demand for these jobs. 

There are also many misconceptions about the trades that may be preventing people from choosing this career path. Some younger generations do not want to deal with the back-breaking labor often associated with these types of jobs. This includes the long hours, safety concerns, and lack of benefits. In reality, many of these tradespeople have access to benefits like paid vacation time, workers’ compensation, and 401k plans. There is also a stigma that skilled laborers are not as intelligent as those people who go to college.

Outlook of The Skilled Labor Shortage in 2024 

Unfortunately, there will likely be a continued skilled trades shortage in 2024. Without drastic changes, the labor shortage in the construction industry will not be fixed overnight. One report suggests that the construction industry will need to bring in over 342,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet demand in 2024.¹  

Another report states that there will be an average of 73,500 openings for electricians, 79,500 openings for carpenters, and 42,600 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters every year over the next ten years.³ As a result, skilled workers will continue to be in high demand in 2024.

Dealing with the Skilled Labor Shortage in 2024 

The shortage of skilled labor workers has become problematic for many. One of the effects of the skilled labor shortage for homeowners is more trouble finding someone to come out and fix something in a timely manner. Even just getting a quote can be a hassle and take weeks.  

Another problem is finding trusted and reliable workers in the shortage of skilled tradespeople. The best laborers will likely have the longest wait times. If you are looking for a faster turnaround time, the quality of the work could suffer. 

For sellers looking to get their home on the market quickly or make home inspection repairs, this trade labor shortage can be especially problematic. Instead of waiting around, we may be able to help.  

Curbio is a licensed home improvement contractor for pre-sale updates to help sellers prep their homes for the market. Our team of tradespeople are all licensed, vetted, and insured. We also provide fast quotes and are ready to start the job just one or two weeks after the contract is signed. You can follow the progress with our real-time project calendar. 

Talk to your real estate agent about partnering with us or contact us today to find a partner agent in your area.   

Sources: 

1. ABC (2022). ABC: Construction Industry Faces Workforce Shortage of 650,000 in 2022 
2. PR Newswire (2022). Skilled Trades Labor Scarcity: Workforce Aging as Fewer Recruits Enter Trades 
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook 
4. Business Insider (2023). More students are learning to be mechanics, chefs, and construction workers as college enrollment shrinks 

Being a real estate agent goes beyond just selling homes. It often means taking on additional tasks, leaving you to juggle countless responsibilities on top of your core business. This is especially true when preparing your listings for sale.

All too often, agents take on the role of de facto project manager, handling everything including hiring contractors, selecting materials, and making frequent site visit to make sure the work is on track.

At Curbio, we believe your time and attention are best spent focused on your business and clients, not managing pre-listing home updates. Our full-service approach simplifies the way real estate agents get homes ready for sale, giving you control and oversight without the hassle of managing the project yourself.

A Dedicated Project Manager from Start to Finish

Coordinating multiple trades and ensuring high-quality work can be one of the most challenging aspects of home improvement, especially when getting your listings ready for sale. Without a reliable partner by your side, you may find yourself constantly visiting the site and dealing with missed deadlines and subpar results.

With Curbio, each project is assigned a dedicated project manager who handles everything from kickoff to final walkthrough. This experienced professional is a full-time Curbio employee who is your single point of contact, creating the schedules, managing tradespeople, coordinating permits, and sourcing materials. They address any unexpected issues proactively, allowing you to avoid juggling multiple vendors and unforeseen complications. Our project managers keep you informed every step of the way, so you can trust the project is moving forward smoothly without the need for constant check-ins. Our fully-managed approach lets you focus on winning new listings, selling more homes, and delivering exceptional service to your clients.

Sourcing Reliable Trade Professionals and Streamlining Estimates

One of the most challenging tasks when preparing a home for sale is finding reliable vendors and getting accurate estimates. It often takes weeks to gather quotes, negotiate prices, and vet contractors.

Curbio eliminates this headache by utilizing our exclusive network of vetted, licensed, and insured trade partners. Our home improvement consultants quickly assess the project needs and provide a detailed and competitive estimate within one business day. You don’t have to chase down multiple quotes or worry about vetting contractors—we handle it all. Our streamlined process saves you time and ensures the project starts on the right foot, with high-quality professionals who are ready to work on your listings right away.

Simple, Stress-Free Design Decisions

Selecting materials and finishes can be overwhelming and is an extremely time-consuming task, especially for clients unfamiliar with current market trends. As an agent, you can easily end up spending hours guiding clients through endless options, which can delay the home sale timeline and add unnecessary stress to an already very stressful process.

Curbio simplifies this process with a pre-selected catalog of high-quality materials that meet the preferences of buyers. We’ve done the heavy lifting to ensure that we have on-trend materials that are ready to install and are what buyers want in your market. From trendy condos to luxury estates, our dedicated material specialists continuously refine our materials catalog with options ready-to-go for any type of listing you represent. From flooring to fixtures, we’ve taken the guesswork out of material selection and have the materials that buyers want.

The Curbio materials catalog is a core component of our full-service model. You don’t have to spend time combing through countless samples. Our streamlined catalog offers high quality selections at any price point, making the selection process quick and easy for both you and your clients.

Seamless Communication and Real-Time Updates

Effective communication is key to any successful home improvement project, but it can become a full-time job to keep everyone informed, coordinate schedules, and manage client expectations. Real estate agents often find themselves acting as a go-between for clients and contractors. This level of involvement can pull you away from your core responsibilities, especially when you’re trying to balance the demands of multiple listings.

Curbio’s project managers prioritize clear, consistent communication, so you never have to chase down updates or feel out of the loop. Using the Curbio app, you and your clients receive real-time updates, including progress photos and status updates that you can access on-the-go.  You can even ask questions, provide feedback, and communicate directly with the project manager right in the app. This transparency eliminates the need for constant site visits or back-and-forth calls, giving you peace of mind that your project is progressing on schedule while keeping your clients informed every step of the way.

You + Curbio = A Winning Team

At Curbio, we’re more than just a home improvement contractor—we’re an extension of your team, committed to your success all the way to the finish line. Our goal is to take the burden of project management off your plate, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your clients.

Whether your listing needs a simple cosmetic refresh or a full-scale remodel, our mission is to help real estate agents and their clients get ready for sale with a reliable, stress-free, and turnkey experience from the initial estimate to final completion. Contact us today for a free estimate and see how Curbio can be your go-to contractor for home repairs and updates of any size, for any type of listing.

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What ‘White-Glove Service’ in Home Improvement Really Means

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Recommending pre-listing home repairs and updates has always been, and will continue to be, a critical part of the home selling process. As the housing market evolves, so do buyer preferences. With a notable shift toward move-in ready homes—particularly among millennials and first-time buyers—it’s more important than ever that every listing is in tip-top shape before hitting the market. According to the Census Bureau, the median age of homes in the U.S. is now 40 years, with about 60% of owner-occupied homes built before 1980. This means that every home—regardless of age—could benefit from pre-listing repairs and updates before hitting the market.

Curbio has completed over 5,000 projects and has supported thousands of respected agents and brokerages nationwide, equipping us with valuable insights into what resonates with today’s buyers. Drawing on our extensive experience in preparing homes for sale, here are nine small but mighty updates that can significantly enhance a listing’s appeal in today’s competitive landscape.

De-clutter and deep clean

Before anything else, a thorough deep cleaning is essential. This not only removes dirt and grime but also helps depersonalize the space. When potential buyers walk through the listing, they should be able to envision themselves living there—not be distracted by family photos or clutter. A clean home welcomes offers and creates a lasting first impression.

Cue in the curb appeal

Curb appeal is the listing’s first impression—make it count! Whether it’s sprucing up landscaping, power washing the driveway, or giving the front door a fresh coat of paint, small exterior improvements can significantly enhance the home’s appeal. Don’t forget about digital curb appeal; stunning photos showcasing the home’s exterior can draw buyers in before they even step foot inside.

Freshen up the floors

Floors can easily show their age. If the listing has hardwood floors, consider recommending refinishing to bring back their luster. If there’s outdated carpet, particularly in areas like bathrooms or kitchens, replacing it with modern flooring options can make a world of difference.

Another excellent choice is luxury vinyl tile (LVT). LVT is a waterproof flooring material, making it a popular option for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It mimics the look of hardwood but is much easier to maintain and costs less to install. This makes it a great option, especially for families looking for a cost-effective and durable solution.

Painting Touch-Ups

From scratches caused by moving furniture to evidence of kids expressing their creativity, most walls don’t make it a year without some marks. Painting is one of the most common updates recommended by real estate agents to get a listing move-in ready, and it can have a tremendous visual impact.

The condition of the walls can significantly influence a buyer’s lasting impression. If the paint is chipped, peeling, or otherwise damaged, it can leave a negative taste that overshadows the home’s many positives. A fresh coat of paint can revitalize the space, creating a clean, polished look that invites buyers in. While some may say wallpaper is making a comeback, our recommendation is to let the buyers choose it. Instead, focus on light, solid, neutral-colored walls that create a blank slate, making it easier for a broad spectrum of buyers to envision their belongings and personal style within the home.

Keep up with the kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, making it a focal point for buyers. An extremely outdated or dysfunctional kitchen can be an immediate turn-off. Fortunately, most kitchens can be updated to meet buyer preferences with simple refreshes, rather than full-on remodels (which is a Curbio specialty).

Refacing cabinets is one way to modernize and brighten the appearance of the kitchen while keeping costs low and timelines short. Additionally, installing new appliances, a simple tile backsplash, or modern stone countertops are smaller projects that can have a sizable impact on the overall look and feel of the kitchen.

Beautify the bathrooms

Self-care is on-trend, leaving many homeowners and buyers craving updated bathrooms with clean, modern finishes. Replacing tile surrounds, installing new tubs and showers, and swapping out vanities can positively impact the bathroom’s appeal. However, there are also smaller updates that can be made without breaking the bank.

Reglazing, rather than replacing, the tile surround can bring modern color schemes to a dated bathroom. Painting the existing vanity instead of swapping it for a new one is another fast and easy update that makes a big difference. For resale, focus on the visuals: nice tile, appealing colors, and attractive fixtures—and avoid overspending on high-end utilities, as most buyers can’t tell the difference. Aim for a spa-like atmosphere that makes buyers feel relaxed and at home.

Hardware and fixture upgrades

Swapping hardware is an easy and impactful way to modernize a home’s appearance. Brushed gold, muted brass, brushed nickel, and chrome are currently on-trend, giving homeowners several options to refresh the home’s look. While swapping light fixtures can be a bit more challenging, it’s a worthwhile update. Dated light fixtures can age even the most updated homes.

At Curbio, our materials catalog features a wide range of materials and finishes suitable for any type of listing, at any price point. Our materials are ready to ship to your project and align with what buyers want. We know what’s trending and what appeals to buyers in your market, and we’ve curated this selection to streamline decision-making and condense project timelines.

Repair minor issues

Take the time to address minor repairs—like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped tiles. The overwhelming majority of today’s home buyers are looking for move-in ready homes, and the top reason buyers choose to purchase a new build over a previously owned home is to steer clear of home improvement projects. According to NAR research, 45% purchase a new home specifically to avoid renovations or problems with plumbing or electricity.

If you’re aware of any problems with the electrical or plumbing systems, it’s best to tackle them before listing rather than waiting for the shoe to drop during the inspection. The Curbio app converts lengthy inspection reports into a detailed breakdown with free inspection repair pricing. Simply upload a home inspection report and you’ll receive a detailed breakdown with associated repair pricing within 24-hours.

Staging

Finally, consider professional staging to highlight the home’s best features. Curbio offers professional staging services with packages tailored to the number of rooms that need attention. Proper staging, inside and out, can help potential buyers visualize how they would use the space, making it feel more inviting and enhancing its overall appeal.

Your Go-To Contractor

At Curbio, we believe home improvement shouldn’t be a hassle. Our mission is to help real estate agents and their clients get ready for sale with a reliable, stress-free, and turnkey experience from the initial estimate to final completion. Curbio is your go-to contractor for pre-listing home repairs and updates for projects of any size, for any type of listing.

• Pre-Listing Expertise: We understand the importance of delivering quality work on time and on budget. We have done thousands of successful projects, which makes us a trusted resource to help you update the property in a way that will most appeal to buyers.
• Your Full-Service Contractor: Curbio combines expert local contractors, quick-ship materials that buyers want, and a dedicated project manager to oversee the project from start to finish. Your dedicated and professional Curbio team gets the work done on time and on quality, ensuring compliance with all licenses and permits.
• Stay Connected On-The-Go: Keep track of the project with real-time updates on milestones, materials, and progress notifications, all sent straight to your phone via the Curbio app.

Curbio’s turnkey service takes the project burden off of you so you can focus on your clients and your clients can focus on their next chapter.

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Before venturing into the real estate industry 28 years ago, David Simkins worked as a software designer. Though he eventually made the jump out of the tech space, he credits this work for giving him an analytical perspective as an agent. “I’ll talk people out of a sale just as often as I’ll talk them into one,” says David, who is devoted to finding the best possible scenario for his clients.

His early involvement in software engineering gave him a useful knowledge of technological tools, particularly as they relate to real estate, which is how David discovered Curbio. But he’s aware that technological advances can only take you so far: “Computers are great. I worked with them for many years before they ever had the power that they have these days. But no matter how prevalent their existence in the world, there’s just no replacement for a human.” And we happen to agree.

Aaron Glines is a Curbio project manager with twenty years of experience in construction.

Aaron explains, “I’m someone who can walk a property and know when a contractor is doing something correctly, know when they’re cutting corners, or know when they’re not doing things right.” But for Aaron, it is so much more than that. While making sure the work is done right is important, there are a lot of other aspects of the job.

Building Relationships  

On top of using his experience in the industry, Aaron is also focused on developing lasting relationships with his clients. He explains, “Part of our job is to build relationships with real estate agents and homeowners and help them achieve the goals of their project.” 

But these relationships do not just arise overnight. Aaron knows that cultivating these relationships takes time and patience. First and foremost, Aaron likes to really listen to his clients. “What I try to do upon meeting a client, whether it’s a real estate agent or homeowner, is I try to just learn a little bit about them… part of what I do is try to understand what’s most important to them. Then you can deliver that to them.” By learning about their goals and needs, Aaron can deliver a better service as well as start building trust.  

Another big part of building lasting relationships with his agents is simply being there for them. He notes, “I think one of the most important things as a project manager that we can do is be there for the homeowners and the Realtors. It can be as simple as answering your phone and just being there to listen to their concerns.” 

The other part of building a good relationship with his clients is getting to know them outside of the project. “I try not to always keep it just about the project. I like to talk to people like, ‘How’s your business going?’” While this is such a simple question, it can go a long way. Aaron elaborates, “A lot of these real estate agents are small business owners. It’s good to know how their business is doing. So I’ll take an interest in what they’re doing on their day to day and try to understand what keeps them ticking.” 

Adapting to the Client’s Needs 

As Aaron knows well, every agent is different. He notes, “I’ve dealt with a lot of different realtors who have different personalities. And one thing that we as project managers need to be in tune with is what type of person are we dealing with?” These different personalities translate into different needs. To meet these needs and provide the best service he can, Aaron knows he must adjust his own work style.

“You’re not just creating a cookie-cutter process for each individual. You’re actually catering to what their needs are.” 

One big discrepancy he notes between agents is how involved they want to be. “If we make a phone call to this person and they’re difficult to get a hold of, we may learn over time that this guy just wants us to handle the project. He just wants to show up to the job site at the end of the job and have a clean, fresh remodel done and have zero or little to no involvement in the job.” In this case, Aaron will make sure he isn’t bothering the agent with any unnecessary details.  

On the other hand, some agents want to be very involved. Aaron explains, “Some agents want to know what kind of material we’re using. They want to know what kind of paint we’re using. They want us to show them how we’re going to do the process.” In these cases, Aaron knows he needs to adapt. “They’re calling me more than I’m calling them, so I need to be able to pick up on that and start proactively giving them what they want — which is more updates, more information. I need to almost overload them with information because that’s what they thrive on.” 

By paying attention to each agent’s individual needs and work style, Aaron is not only better able to serve them for that project but also for projects in the future.  

Getting the Right People for the Job 

As Aaron explains, project managers are “responsible for making sure our subs stay on track, on schedule, on time, on budget, and within the quality expectations that our clients have.”  

To ensure that he meets all these standards, Aaron knows it is about getting the right people on the job. He explains, “I’m only as good as my contractors are. So it’s less important for me to hire someone who’s going to save me a few bucks and cut some corners than it is for me to pay a little bit extra and get someone who’s going to take pride in their work and follow our quality standards.” 

Not only does Aaron use his experience to monitor the quality of work, but also he goes one step further. “I’ve brought in a lot of my own contractors to Curbio. I know their work ethic and I know what they take pride in.” 

On the rare occasion that someone isn’t meeting Curbio’s standards, then Aaron has no problem cutting them loose. “If we’re having too many problems, then we’re pulling contractors off jobs and replacing them with quality contractors who can finish the job with our quality standards in mind.” 

Get started today with a free estimate or learn more about how Curbio works.  

A brokerage firm relies on its real estate agents to bring in clients and grow its business. When the agents are doing well, the brokerage firm is usually doing well too. Consequently, it is important as a brokerage firm to help set your agents up for success so you can both thrive. Especially in the tough and competitive market of today, your agents need every advantage they can get. One way you can help set your agents up for success is to send your team to industry events and conferences. These gatherings can help them grow and strengthen their business.   

The Benefits of Business Events for Your Team 

Business events are so much more than an opportunity for agents to get together and socialize. In fact, conferences and industry-related events can have numerous benefits for your agents and consequently, your brokerage business.   

One way industry events are beneficial for agents is that they allow for face-to-face communication with other real estate professionals. According to one survey, 95% of respondents said that face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.¹ In real estate, relationships with other real estate agents, stagers, home inspectors, contractors, and tradespeople matter. They can be a pipeline of referrals for an agent’s business. They may also help streamline the transaction process for your agents’ clients. Together, these connections can be the difference between a stalled and thriving agent when the market slows down. In the end, the more face-to-face time your agents get with these types of professionals, the better.

Another benefit of your agents going to business events is that they can often be great learning opportunities as well. Events with guest speakers or an expert panel will expose your agents to leading industry experts. These professionals can open your agents’ eyes to new and proven techniques to help them succeed in the current market.  

Nowadays, agents are also looking for brokerage firms that can help facilitate their success. They do not want a brokerage firm that has just a low commission rate. They want a brokerage firm that can help them in other ways. If you can offer them the top tools in the industry, access to educational resources, and the opportunity to get valuable face time with other leading industry professionals, your brokerage firm will be much more desirable to real estate agents. Not only could your agent retention improve, but also you may be more likely to attract top talent to your firm.  

In the end, when your real estate agents are successful, your business is successful. Well-connected and educated agents tend to do more business which can help increase your bottom line and improve your business.  

REfresh 2024 is Waiting

Start 2024 off on the right foot for your agents and your business. Curbio is hosting REfresh 2024 from February 4th through February 6th in Chantilly, Virginia near Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia.  

REfresh 2024 is a three-day conference related to the real estate industry. It will not only include networking opportunities with top real estate professionals but also a variety of other beneficial industry events for your agents. Other activities include listening to keynote speakers and attending various breakout sessions. Your agents can learn about top tools in the industry as well as gain valuable face time with other real estate experts. Because this is a multi-day event, your agents will also get much more time to connect and develop these relationships than they would at a measly happy hour event.  

REfresh 2024 will be here before you know it, so do not wait to get your agents their tickets. Buy your ticket before the end of the year and lock in the early bird pricing of only $99 per person.    

Sources: 

1. Harvard Business Review. Managing Across Distance in Today’s Economic Climate: The Value of Face-to-Face Communication  

If you have tried to get any work done on your house lately, you may have noticed that it is a hassle. It may take weeks just to get someone to come to your home to check out the job. This is likely related to the national labor shortage for skilled workers and tradespeople.  

Why Is There a Skilled Trade Labor Shortage? 

Over the years, the United States has seen a decline in people entering the trades and careers in construction. At the same time, demand has increased. This skilled labor shortage is a result of several different factors.  

One issue is that many current skilled trade laborers are reaching retirement age. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 1 in 5 construction workers are older than 55, and the average age of retirement is 61.¹ It is clear that the construction labor shortage is exacerbated by age.  

Another report found that 40% of people in the skilled trades (cement masons, concrete finishers, painters, roofers, electricians, first-line supervisors, and more) are over the age of 45. Also, less than 9% are between the ages of 19 and 24.²  

Along with the aging of existing tradespeople, there is also less interest in skilled labor jobs from the younger generations.  Over the years, there has been a growing emphasis on going to college and white-collar jobs. This stress on getting a four-year college degree is usually in opposition with the training for the skilled trades.  

From 1961 to 2020, the number of full-time students enrolled in college in the United States increased from 2.4 million to 11.6 million.³ While there has been a large boost over the last several decades, trade schools have seen a bump in enrollment in more recent years. For example, enrollment in construction trade programs grew 19.3% from the spring of 2021 to the spring of 2022.⁴ While this is promising, there is still such a high demand for these jobs. 

There are also many misconceptions about the trades that may be preventing people from choosing this career path. Some younger generations do not want to deal with the back-breaking labor often associated with these types of jobs. This includes the long hours, safety concerns, and lack of benefits. In reality, many of these tradespeople have access to benefits like paid vacation time, workers’ compensation, and 401k plans. There is also a stigma that skilled laborers are not as intelligent as those people who go to college.

Outlook of The Skilled Labor Shortage in 2024 

Unfortunately, there will likely be a continued skilled trades shortage in 2024. Without drastic changes, the labor shortage in the construction industry will not be fixed overnight. One report suggests that the construction industry will need to bring in over 342,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet demand in 2024.¹  

Another report states that there will be an average of 73,500 openings for electricians, 79,500 openings for carpenters, and 42,600 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters every year over the next ten years.³ As a result, skilled workers will continue to be in high demand in 2024.

Dealing with the Skilled Labor Shortage in 2024 

The shortage of skilled labor workers has become problematic for many. One of the effects of the skilled labor shortage for homeowners is more trouble finding someone to come out and fix something in a timely manner. Even just getting a quote can be a hassle and take weeks.  

Another problem is finding trusted and reliable workers in the shortage of skilled tradespeople. The best laborers will likely have the longest wait times. If you are looking for a faster turnaround time, the quality of the work could suffer. 

For sellers looking to get their home on the market quickly or make home inspection repairs, this trade labor shortage can be especially problematic. Instead of waiting around, we may be able to help.  

Curbio is a licensed home improvement contractor for pre-sale updates to help sellers prep their homes for the market. Our team of tradespeople are all licensed, vetted, and insured. We also provide fast quotes and are ready to start the job just one or two weeks after the contract is signed. You can follow the progress with our real-time project calendar. 

Talk to your real estate agent about partnering with us or contact us today to find a partner agent in your area.   

Sources: 

1. ABC (2022). ABC: Construction Industry Faces Workforce Shortage of 650,000 in 2022 
2. PR Newswire (2022). Skilled Trades Labor Scarcity: Workforce Aging as Fewer Recruits Enter Trades 
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook 
4. Business Insider (2023). More students are learning to be mechanics, chefs, and construction workers as college enrollment shrinks 

Sherina Garner is a Realtor with Keller Williams Preferred Properties. Prior to real estate, she worked in banking. When the company went out of business, Sherina pivoted her career path.

With a longstanding interest in real estate, she decided to take the leap and become a REALTOR®. Although she acknowledges being relatively new to the industry—having six years of experience—Sherina has quickly established herself in the industry. “I’m new at this,” she admits, but her determination has fueled her success. In her early years, Sherina focused on refining her processes and gaining confidence, and now her business is thriving. In 2023, she received an Individual Residential Silver Award from Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS®. But this is just the beginning for Sherina. “Using Curbio has given me an edge on my business,” she says.

Finding Her Competitive Edge

In a competitive real estate landscape, finding an edge is crucial for success. As Sherina points out, “Even though we work with other Realtors, what happens in this business is competition. It’s competitive.” And Sherina is right. With over 1.5 million members in The National Association of REALTORS®, agents need to think outside the box in order to stand out to homeowners.¹

One thing Sherina quickly learned is that if you want to be successful in this industry, you cannot go it all alone. She explains, “If you want to perform well in this business you have to leverage. So instead of me just doing all these things myself, I have help.” She continues, “I actually have a team. I’m not interested in doing all this work and trying to figure this out on my own. Leverage. Go ahead and invest some money so you can focus on what you’re good at.” 

Getting Market-Ready

Another obstacle Sherina initially faced was how to get her listings ready for the market. She found herself asking around for insight, but most agents weren’t that forthcoming and willing to spill the “tips of the trade.”

Another obstacle Sherina initially faced was how to get her listings ready for the market. She found herself asking around for insight, but most agents weren’t that forthcoming and willing to spill the “tips of the trade.”

She explains, “I’m learning that I need to find a way to offer my clients the ability to fix their houses up and present them on the market because nowadays people want certain houses. They don’t want an as-is home. They want move-in ready.” She continues, “Those are the ones that sell. Those are the ones that get multiple offers. Those are the ones that look good. They make the client look good and make you look good as the agent.”  

But move-in ready homes can be hard to come by. Most homes just aren’t ready for the market as they are. “In the beginning of my business, of course, I didn’t have those types of properties [move-in ready homes]. I’d take whatever I could get. I’d list them as-is and do whatever I had to do to sell the home.” Now, Sherina understands that homes need to be move-in ready before hitting the market. Even better, she’s also discovered a few tricks of the trade to help them get there. 

Taking Flight  

In the last year, Sherina has really seen her business take flight, and Curbio has been part of the reason.

“The biggest thing that I did differently in my business this year was using Curbio.”

She explains, “Now I’m able to solve some problems for my client — something I wasn’t able to do in the beginning because nobody gave me the tips of the trade. Nobody told me who they use in their work or how they got their houses so good. I learned it on my own. I stumbled on it myself. I took a chance, and I’m happy that I did.” She continues, “This is what we do as agents — we try to solve problems. This is what I needed for my business. I needed someone to help me solve the problems for the sellers.” 

As a result of working with Curbio, her business has changed slightly as well. She notes, “I work with a lot of first-time home buyers… but this year I had more listings than I did buyers.” She has already worked with Curbio four times this year and has seen great results because of it. “I believe this year is going to be one of my best years. And I believe it’s because I was able to use Curbio and offer my clients something more.” 

Helping Herself  

Along with being able to help her clients, Curbio has also been able to help Sherina help herself.  

Sherina notes that pre-listing home improvements had hurt her in the past. “The sellers told me they still wanted to do something, but they didn’t know where to start. It just was taking forever for the client to fix their house. Or, I heard the nightmare stories that they started but the person didn’t finish the work.” Instead of trying to overcome these various hurdles, Curbio’s project manager can help eliminate some of these potential issues.  

With a project manager to oversee the work, Sherina was also able to focus on growing her business. She explains, “Curbio really helped me and my business to leverage what needs to be done to the house so I can focus on getting more business. I know this project is being worked on, and I know this client is taken care of. I can move on to the next client, and I don’t have to wait so long to put the homes on the market.” 

Overall, Sherina is more than pleased to work with Curbio. “I thought the prices were fair. I thought the speed was good, and also I like how everything is done online with the virtual meetings with clients. Everything is professionally done, and it makes me look better as the agent.” In summary, she explains, “I’m new at this, but I would say this was a game changer for me — finding Curbio.” 

And as for the future — Sherina believes hers is bright. She did four deals with Curbio this year, but next year her goal is ten.  

Sources: 

1. National Association of REALTORS® (2023). Monthly Membership Report 

Mark Cipolletti is a Realtor with Keller Williams Richmond West and works in the Richmond metropolitan area.

While he has only been a real estate agent for four years, he dabbled in real estate long before that while also working in the world of marketing. This mix of career paths has helped him immensely in growing his business as an agent, and other agents should take note. 

A Strong Marketing Background 

Before becoming an agent, Mark worked in marketing for over 20 years and at one point, owned his own company. During this time, he also was a real estate investor and worked with a friend who offered him guidance on his investments. Mark explains, “This guy was a Realtor, and I was a marketer. And he would help me with real estate, and I would advise him some on marketing.”  

This friend knew that Mark would thrive in real estate, and he was right.  Eventually, Mark decided it was the right time to become an agent and joined him at Keller Williams. “As I went into real estate, I did it part time and then slowly weaned myself off of my marketing clients as my real estate business became full time.” 

Now he is using his marketing knowledge to propel himself forward as an agent.  

Putting His Marketing to Good Use  

In today’s market, simply relying on word of mouth and real estate referrals to keep your business going often won’t do. There are too many other agents all doing the same thing and too few listings to go around.  

To stand out, Mark is putting his marketing background to good use. He starts with some of the marketing basics. He explains, “I do a weekly eNewsletter. I do lots of social media. I have done some advertising.”  

He continues with some more out-of-the-box marketing to really set himself apart from other agents in the area. Mark will use special tools and concierge services (like Curbio) to his full advantage. “I have these things that can help my clients. But they are also things that I can market to my clients and to my sphere of influence showing that I’m innovative and that I provide a higher level of service than the average agent.”   

Offering a Solution 

In today’s market, agents need all the help they can get. Low housing inventory and high interest rates have slowed the market considerably and pushed some buyers out of the market completely.  

A silver lining is that those buyers that are looking are serious. As Mark explains, “The people who are in the market as buyers are either having to move for some reason or they are first-time homebuyers who are not giving up a low interest rate to take on a higher one. Or they’re people who have waited a long time and decided they are not waiting anymore; they are just going to go ahead and pull the Band-Aid off.” 

But these buyers cannot afford to do updates to their new home on top of buying it. Consequently, homes in need of repairs just won’t sell. Mark notes, “When it comes to listing houses, it is even more critical right now to make sure that they are move-in ready.” 

He continues, “The properties that are not updated, that are not move-in ready, and do not showcase themselves well are the ones that we’re seeing price decrease after price decrease, and they are sitting. But the nicest houses are still behaving a little like they did during the pandemic market with multiple offers, selling quickly, and selling over asking price — either waving inspections or waiving some amount of inspections and repairs.” 

To help his listings hit these high marks, Mark has turned to Curbio. “And that’s why Curbio is so awesome. Because Curbio helps sellers make pre-list updates to get a house move-in ready. And that’s going to attract the folks who are in the market at the moment.” 

Using Curbio as a Marketing Tool  

As Mark notes, he isn’t just pitching Curbio to potential clients to help them; he is going one step further and using it to help himself as well. “I had been promoting Curbio via social media and my newsletter for a while.” He continues, “Curbio’s right up my alley because it gives me something else to differentiate myself from other Realtors in my market… It’s a way as a Realtor for me to stand out and provide a great service that really costs me nothing.” 

Other agents should take a page out of Mark’s marketing playbook because his approach worked. Mark won a listing after promoting Curbio as a service to his sphere of influence. He explains, “When they [the sellers] contacted me about selling the house. Curbio was a big reason why they were contacting me. Because they were intrigued about what that was and how it was going to work. They knew their house needed a lot of work.” 

By advertising Curbio, Mark was able to get the seller to come to him, and this wasn’t just by chance. According to the 2022 Home Improvement Report, 72% of homeowners said they chose agents who gave them options. In this market, every agent can use every advantage.  

Much-Needed Help 

Mark’s sellers needed to make updates. He explains, “My seller was the original owner of the house and had lived there for over 20 years. And they had done a couple of things. They had spruced up their kitchen at one point, and they had put new windows in the house at another. But everything else was in desperate need of updating.”  

It is a common story for sellers who have owned their homes for several years. Mark explains, “While the homes may be well maintained, they are still in need of major updating and redecorating.” 

The Curbio Richmond team made a variety of updates inside and out including replacing the roof, refreshing the deck, sprucing up the bathrooms, painting the interior, and updating the flooring. So much work was needed that Mark laughed, “It looked like the house was being flipped.” But there was a big difference.  

Mark explains, “As agents, we see houses that are being flipped all the time, and a lot of time, they’re done very poorly by people who don’t really know what they’re doing or they’re just skimping so that they can make as much money as possible. We also see a lot of DIY work from homeowners that’s done very poorly.” He continues, “And when they [the buyers] put in their offer and we had accepted, we were having a conversation after the fact, and the agent remarked to me about just how nicely everything was done, and he was very pleased with the quality of work.” 

On top of hitting a high note for the buyer and their agent, these pre-listing updates also hit high notes on the market. The home got over five offers in just a few days and all of them were over the asking price. Ultimately, Mark explains, “We accepted an offer that was well over asking price that waived the inspection. Because they could see the quality of the work, they knew almost everything had been done that they would want to do, so they knew they didn’t have to come in and fix stuff.”  

It is a good thing the sellers took the time to do the work too. An investor had originally offered them $180,000 for the house, but the home ultimately sold for $370,000. This made for some happy clients. “My clients are just elated with the whole process and how everything worked out.” 

As for the future, Mark notes, “Curbio is definitely something that I’m going to continue using in my marketing and as a differentiator for me as a realtor. It is a great way for sellers to make sure that their property is the one that everybody wants when it comes on the market.” 

Sources: 

1.  Curbio (2022). Preparing to Sell: 2022 Home Improvement Report   

A good agent knows that the details can make or break the sale, and Janine Romney is that agent. She wants to help people, and she knows that to do that you need to pay attention to the little things.  

An agent with Lyon Real Estate, Janine works in northern California including Sacramento County, Placer County, Nevada County, Yolo County, and El Dorado County. She is happy to work with anyone; she just wants to help.  

“I’m willing to help people wherever they are… willing to meet them wherever they are and to get them to where they need to go.”

In It for the Long Haul 

Janine only got her real estate license in 2010, but she worked in the industry for many years prior. Before becoming an agent, Janine worked at a title insurance company starting in 1983. 

With this long-term experience in real estate, Janine has seen the many ebbs and flows of the market, including the coming and going of agents because of it. As she explains, “When times get tough and the market gets slow, like now, you need to work at it. But not everyone is willing to do that.”  

Now that the market has cooled down considerably since the days of the pandemic, Janine expects many agents to struggle and ultimately leave the business. She explains, “I think what ends up happening is the people who get into the business to make a quick buck are gone, and the people who are in it for the long haul are steady.” 

She continues, “People will not renew their license or invest in what they need to continue to operate their business. They won’t do that if they’re just in it for the short term. But people that are in it as a career for the long term, not just to make a quick buck when it’s hot and high but to be here to help people forever, they are going to have business.” 

And Janine certainly seems to know what she is talking about. While many agents are struggling to win listings in the current market, she is having a great year. She notes, “I’ve probably closed 8 transactions so far since May, and I am due to close about 15 personally.”  

Covering the Basics  

You don’t stay in the business as long as Janine without learning a few tricks. And one of these tricks is adapting to the current market.  

New paint, flooring updates, and some cleaning — sometimes that is all it takes to transform a listing from okay to top-notch. And in today’s market, these projects are something almost every listing needs if it is going to sell. According to our survey, 77% of buyers will only consider buying a home that is move-in ready.¹ If your listing is dirty, cluttered, or showing wear and tear, it is not meeting this mark and will take much longer to get off the market.  

For a recent listing, Janine knew that the home needed a bit of work before it would be ready for the market and sell for top dollar. To help the home meet this standard, Janine partnered with the Curbio Sacramento team.  

In the end, some basic listing prep was all that was needed to take her listing from worn down to first-class. As Janine notes, “Paint to me is a no-brainer, a must.” So Janine, her seller, and Curbio settled on painting the entire interior. Along with a fresh coat of paint, the flooring also needed some attention. They installed some linoleum and replaced the carpet.  

But you can’t just slap on a new coat of paint or get any old carpet. Color matters too. For those decisions, they turned to Curbio for assistance. Janine explains, “He [the project manager] made some recommendations on color choices based on what he’s seen in some of the higher-end homes and the kind of trends that he’s seeing lately. They were very neutral colors for paint and carpet, and we weren’t sure, but when it all came out, it looked fabulous.” 

The Devil Is in the Details  

Along with covering the basics, Janine knows that when listing a home in today’s market, every detail matters. Buyers are being more particular, so if you want to capture their attention, all the details need to be in order.  

Touch-ups and minor fixes are often a part of home improvement projects. Janine made sure to point out anything that she or her client noticed that required attention. “Anything that I thought needed to be touched up, Curbio immediately fixed.” 

In one instance, an unforeseen weather mishap left a pair of blinds bent and broken. While this may seem like such a small detail, Janine explains, “We got really nice quality furniture and staging in, so everything would have looked right except for the blinds. So, I know it seems like a minor thing, but in this whole scheme of things, it was a huge thing.”  

To keep with the feel of the rest of the home, Curbio replaced the blinds and Janine noted, “Had they not done that, I don’t think the house would have shown nearly as well because everything else was fresh.” With Janine and Curbio working together, all the details were in order by the time the home hit the market.  

The Details Paid Off  

And these details certainly captured the attention of buyers. As Janine explains, “It was a bidding war. We had about eight offers that we were reviewing in addition to another probably five that were in the wings asking to submit.” You would never guess that the market is slowing with the amount of interest Janine’s listing received.  

Not surprisingly, that interest translated to a big profit as well. “I would say the listing probably netted $100,000 more than it would have had it not had Curbio make the improvements that needed to be made. And they were just minor updates.” 

Such a huge profit seemed, at one point out of reach, for the seller. And it was all thanks to an experienced agent who knows that attention to detail matters. 

Sources:  

1.  Curbio (2022). Preparing to Sell: 2022 Home Improvement Report