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| Realtors need to embrace the Internet!
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It used to be when someone wanted to buy a home they rode around in the back seat of a real estate agent's car until they either found a property they liked, or both parties became exhausted and postponed the buying decision. But times have changed.
According to recent research by the National Association of Realtors, six buyers out of 10 begin their search by checking available properties listed on the Internet before they even talk to a real estate agent or physically view any properties at all.
A growing number of consumers are finding there are many benefits to taking the on-line route in their initial home search.
In addition to viewing the physical appearance of a potential home through the Internet, buyers can also check out various neighborhoods including their proximity to important features such as schools, churches, shopping and other amenities. Other useful information that can be found on the Internet include an area's traffic patterns, tax rates, crime statistics, even the location of underground hazards and other problems that might be in the vicinity but not easily visible or readily disclosed.
Potential homebuyers who use the Internet for their initial search often are able to eliminate a large number of properties and neighborhoods that might be less suited to their needs and tastes, and concentrate on the few that are probable prospective choices. The Internet does not eliminate the need for a real estate agent or to visit potential properties, however, it just makes the process more efficient, organized, and oftentimes less frustrating. Typically, the Internet-savvy consumer sees fewer properties than in the old days, spends less time on the search process, makes a more informed decision and ends up more satisfied than was possible before this new technology became available.
Another vital area where the Internet is increasingly serving today's potential homebuyers is in the financial arena. Properties listed on the Internet will have price information. After evaluating price trends in an area, consumers who shop the Internet first in their home search oftentimes are in a better position to spot bargains.
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Posted by gmcgowan on 2008-02-25 22:24:35 | Rating: | Views: 28
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