In a pivotal time for the real estate industry, agents are no longer the only source of information for buyers and sellers. With the emergence of Trulia, Zillow and other sites in recent years, people can research neighborhoods and properties all on their own. So as an agent, the question is: How do you deliver value?

I attended an industry event a couple weeks ago where several agents spoke about the need to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in a world of vast information. A key takeaway: Many buyers and sellers may not understand exactly what it takes to guide them through the process of finding a new home or selling their old one.

But we know that agents are still an extremely valuable resource in helping people buy or sell their homes. The agents featured in our cover story tell us how they lend their expertise and provide services that are indispensable to their clients. They never miss an opportunity to tell their clients how they can make the dream of homeownership happen for them. As a result, they’ve created a successful business with tremendous potential for the future.

How do you think agents prove their value in a world where consumers now rely on new sources of real estate information? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts at blake@agentpublishing.com.