If you’re like 42% of recent buyers, you probably started your search for the perfect new home on the Internet. With many specialty websites and search engines designed specifically with real estate in mind, it’s definitely the easiest option for stress free home buying. If you’re debating how to begin selling your home or entering the real estate market by utilizing Internet resources, prepare yourself by knowing what to expect.
Expect to find more options…
A typical buyer who used the Internet to search for homes was likely to look at about 10 different properties on average, as opposed to buyers who did not use the Internet. They only looked at five. With homeowners free to make their own posting, and real estate firms taking full advantage of Web platforms, postings get to you faster and more often.
Expect it to take longer…
Although the Web offers more opportunities to unearth harder to find properties, chances are the entire process will be drawn out longer if you use the Internet. The same buyer who looked at 10 homes — twice as many as the searcher who didn’t use the net — also took twice as long to find a home.
Expect more competition…
Since 92% of people now use the Internet to search for their new home, it’s no wonder that competition is way higher, especially for quality properties in good neighborhoods. Make sure to get in contact with the appropriate parties as soon as you see a posting you know your interested in.
Expect to get more helpful information…
In the search to find beautiful homes, pictures are a huge help. About 87% of buyers who used the Internet during their home search found photos, and 84% found detailed information that came in handy. Don’t waste your time scheduling viewings for homes that you haven’t already gotten a preview of! Thanks to the Internet, home sellers have a much easier way to post pictures and other info.
Overall, the preliminary Internet search is definitely the best way to narrow down your options, get a sense for what you want and where, and get a overall feel for the market. Even if you end up contacting a real estate agent or a broker, having done your research online will make you that much more of a savvy buyer.
