How Real Estate Professionals Can Benefit from ICSC LOCAL Southern California
The ICSC LOCAL Southern California event, held on June 26, 2025, brought together real estate professionals, brokers, and industry experts to discuss current market trends and future opportunities in the commercial and residential real estate sectors. This event was a critical opportunity for networking and learning about the latest trends impacting the real estate industry.
For besthouses.com readers who are real estate professionals, the insights shared at this event are invaluable. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, networking and staying informed about the latest trends are crucial for staying competitive in the marketplace. Here’s a breakdown of what was discussed at ICSC LOCAL and how you can leverage these insights in your own real estate career.
Economic Cycles and Their Impact on Residential Real Estate
One of the key topics discussed at ICSC LOCAL Southern California was how economic cycles affect real estate. While the event primarily focused on retail and commercial real estate, the insights can be applied to the residential market as well. Garrick Brown, Vice President of Real Estate Intelligence at Gallelli Real Estate, delivered a compelling presentation on how real estate professionals can adjust their strategies to cope with market fluctuations.
For residential real estate agents, understanding economic cycles is essential. Changes in interest rates, consumer spending, and housing supply can all significantly affect the demand for homes. Brown’s presentation underscored the importance of adapting to these cycles by adjusting pricing strategies and focusing on areas that show signs of growth.
Actionable Advice for Realtors:
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Stay Informed About Economic Indicators: As a real estate professional, it’s important to keep a close eye on economic indicators that impact the housing market, such as mortgage rates, consumer confidence, and employment data. This will help you anticipate changes in the market and advise your clients accordingly.
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Focus on Areas with Strong Demand: Certain regions are more resilient to economic downturns. Look for neighborhoods with strong job growth, new infrastructure, and high levels of demand from buyers.
Networking and Building Relationships in the Real Estate Industry
The event also provided ample networking opportunities for real estate professionals to meet and collaborate with others in the industry. Networking remains one of the most important aspects of growing your real estate career. Connecting with other professionals, whether they are fellow agents, mortgage brokers, or investors, can lead to valuable opportunities and partnerships.
Actionable Advice for Realtors:
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Engage in Networking Opportunities: Attend networking events, like the ICSC LOCAL conference, to meet new potential clients, investors, and colleagues. The more people you connect with, the more referrals and business opportunities you can generate.
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Leverage Technology: In addition to in-person networking, use social media and real estate platforms to expand your network. Online networking can help you stay connected with industry peers and stay informed about new market trends and opportunities.
Retail Real Estate Trends and Their Relevance to Residential Markets
Although the ICSC LOCAL event focused on retail real estate, the lessons shared are relevant to residential real estate professionals as well. The retail sector has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and the shift toward mixed-use developments. These trends have also started to impact the residential market, particularly in urban areas where demand for walkable communities with access to retail and dining is rising.
Actionable Advice for Realtors:
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Embrace Mixed-Use Developments: Buyers are increasingly interested in properties that offer a blend of residential, retail, and recreational spaces. Consider specializing in mixed-use developments or urban properties that offer these features.
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Focus on Lifestyle Trends: Today’s homebuyers are looking for more than just a place to live; they want access to amenities that enhance their lifestyle. As a realtor, understanding these preferences can help you match buyers with properties that meet their needs.
Conclusion: Leveraging Networking and Industry Insights for Success
The ICSC LOCAL Southern California event was a valuable opportunity for real estate professionals to gain industry insights and connect with peers. For residential real estate agents, the key takeaways from the event are understanding economic cycles, leveraging networking opportunities, and staying ahead of market trends. By applying these insights, real estate professionals can better serve their clients and stay competitive in the ever-changing housing market.
