One thing I always do is to go out to see as many properties as possible to become fully acquainted with the markets. While it's important to know what is on the market for sale now, this knowledge also serves me well months and years later when they are not on the market too. These days I  can do lots online as the quality of images and data has improved notably, but nothing is as effective as physically visiting a property, evaluating its positioning in a neighborhood or building, seeing everything, not just that which the listing agent wishes you to see.

Recently, I was part of a large sale where an agent had come to preview the property, they sent images and details to their sphere, simply mentioning they had seen something wonderful and wished to share it with their clients and those in their clients sphere of influence. One of those clients happened to be looking and lo and behold they ended up buying that home.

Every time I physically visit a property or physically meet a person, I gather a plethora of additional insights and information that may prove to be invaluable, if not immediately, eventually.

As a seasoned agent in this business for over 25 years, often I become complacent and think that previewing things online is sufficient. I get so busy - often too busy - to physically preview all that I should. One of the key value-adds I offer is a deeper insight and knowledge that extends beyond the Google-able search. Access and exposure to things others don't have easy daily access to, or the time to devote to, is another important aspect of what a professional should deliver to their sphere.