The internet has changed many aspects of your life; will the way you buy property be next
? Many experts believe there is a strong trend toward searching and even beginning the buying process online. This is much different from the old school method of calling an agent, setting an appointment, viewing the property and making offers.
Convenience and savings have to be the two biggest reasons the property market is turning to the internet for answers. Sellers are tired of losing large commissions to agents who sell their homes and many have begun creating their own online listings. This means they can lower the price considerably in some cases. If the property market is going to rebound, it needs all the potential savings it can get.
People also love the convenience of looking up properties online. With the right online site, you can do a virtual tour of any listing - and never leave your house. No longer will you have to call an agent and spend half the day looking at two or three properties. You can browse 10-15 homes online in a matter of minutes.
The wave of the real estate future is likely going to be online estate agents. More and more time will be spent in developing great listings that show well over the internet. The most successful estate agents are going to be the ones who are diligent at keeping up with contacts made online. This is a brave new world when it comes to buying and selling homes, and agents are going to have to adapt or get left behind.
That is not to say there will be no use for real live breathing agents and even brick and mortar estate offices. At some point, people are going to want to see the properties in the flesh and write offers based on what they see. For now, properties online is an efficient tool for previewing properties and narrowing down what you want to see in person. This saves a great deal of time and energy for both the buyer and the agent.
Another reason why property sales online are becoming more popular is the ease at which you can apply for financing. All the major lenders now operate online and most offer you the opportunity to apply for your home loan right then and there. This is quite nice for those who hate rejection as well; with the online model, you get a short little email and never have to face a judgmental human being about your credit.
What will the face of the property market look like in the next decade or two? You can bet there is going to be heavy internet influence as people look for the easiest and most convenient ways to find a home. Online estate agents are already cropping up right and left for areas all over the world.