We know that the computer has provided a wealth of information and search capabilities for buyers and sellers. The next question is will you replace the agent? Can a deal be made entirely online, and if so, will people trust and use it?
There are some sites that are testing this in the hopes of being the next “killer app” or the next disruptive technology. Disruptive technologies like the computer or the email app or even the cell phone really change our lives and enrich the early developers. You know they will put in the effort and attract a lot of development money.
There are now some sites testing the ability of the networks to offer a complete transaction without the agent, saving both buyers and sellers money.
Industry statistics tell us that 8 out of 10 use the web to search for properties. This is good, because we all prefer informed customers. They are easier to work with because they know what they want and are less likely to waste time.
NAR weighs in: According to a Wall Street Journal article; “Walt Molony, a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors, says that’s unlikely. He says the trade group’s research shows that more than half of Internet users begin their searches on metropolitan multi-listing sites or on the Realtor itself. .com For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sales are at “all-time lows” of just 12%, with 5% of those transactions occurring between people who already know each other, according to NAR offers a website, many buyers and sellers will still want a professional to guide them through a home sale transaction.”
The world is rarely a matter of one of two options. I think the agent will continue to be the central focus of transactions, but we will see more competition from websites that will offer a variety of ways to buy or sell. The following are some sites that offer services that compete with traditional methods that are worth looking into:
MLS-like sites:
Really
Zillow
housing tracker
Transaction Type Sites:
real umbrella
Owners.com
realtor.com
red fin
Real Estate Auctions
ebay
real estate tracing
RealtyBid
I think if you are a comfortable buyer or seller and real estate is a knowledgeable area then you could save commissions and get better results by using one of the new virtual agent sites. At the very least, you can get a ton of information that will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Take advantage of all the information that is accumulating and at your fingertips.
Thank you for reading
howard bell
http://www.yourpropertypath.com
