The way the real estate market functions has changed dramatically in the past 3-5 years. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 74% of home buyers use the Internet for research. In California, 97% use the Internet to help them better understand the home-buying process.  Almost all listings are posted on the internet for buyers to view prior to ever stepping into your home.

     Along with the change has come a change in the way real estate agents do their business. Buyers no longer have to come to an agent to find out what is available for sale in any area. But the transactions themselves have become much more complex. As a buyer or seller, the selection of a real estate agent becomes of paramount importance.

Sellers:

     In order to maximize the proceeds from your sale, you must select an agent who is technically proficient. That agent must be thoroughly comfortable with email and other forms of electronic communication. And your agent must have an integrated marketing plan, which at least as much emphasis on internet marketing as on traditional marketing.

    Do not settle for "yes, your listing will appear on the following websites...." Be sure you know which websites they will be. Be sure they will add extra photos and video tours. Ask what additional web marketing tools they will provide to make your house stand out above the others. These extras might include "Featured Homes" slots on the front page of major websites such as www.Realtor.com , an entire website dedicated to just your listing with your home's address for the URL, for example. Featured homes spots are very expensive and there are only a few (usually 16) available for any given area. Agents purchase these slots for a year at a time and nobody else can use them. So this is an extra added feature that will give your listing more exposure.

     That is not to say that technical proficiency in itself will guarantee results. There is no question that buying or selling a home is an emotional experience for most people, and personal contact and empathy from an experienced agent are important. However those alone are no longer enough. Ask for a REALTOR e-PRO®. REALTOR e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals.  

     Becoming an ePro requires completion of an intensive, on line educational course, participation in Listserves, assignments, and more. For more information on the REALTOR e-PRO certification, visit the www.NationalAssociationofRealtors.org website.

Buyers:

     Internet competence is also a huge asset for a buyer's agent. besides the obvious convenience of being able to corresponce via email, an ePro agent will be able to feed listings on an ongoing basis to buyers as they become available, email transaction documents to buyers who may be unavailable to come into the office, and more.

     If you have questions about any of the above, please contact me via email to Lmercer@Lmercer.com, and visit my website at www.Lmercer.com to views my designations and qualifications.

(c) 2006 by Lynne Mercer

All Rights Reserved