The internet has changed everything, including the process of buying and selling homes. Once a laborious process, we can vouch that no one misses the conventional way of selling and buying homes. While the older generations relied on newspaper commercials and “For Sale” signs, the newbies like to rely on real estate websites to have access to millions of homes through a smartphone.
The online business of real estate websites boomed in the pandemic when social distancing and other Covid-19 protocols were regulated. As per the National Association of Realtors, 97% of homebuyers used the internet to search for their dream homes. With real estate websites taking over the traditional real estate agents, they’re offering user-friendly services along with affordable listing prices, thus saving thousands of dollars that you’d otherwise have to pay as agent’s commission.
But how do we have it all easier than our grandparents? Here are a few factors on how real estate websites have shaped the new way of buying and selling houses:
- Real-Time Updates:
With these websites running hand-in-hand with the trends and updates, they prefer to give real-time information to have users keep up with what’s going on in the hot-selling market. From why commissions are declining (if they are) to the latest real estate tools such as the closing cost calculator, you get every piece of information under one umbrella.
This also plays an important role in listings. While you could amend your listings once or twice in the age of print media, with real estate websites, you can update or amend your listings unlimited times without depending on your listing agent.
A state-wise listing feature helps you browse properties from the selected area. For instance, if you’re looking to buy a home in Florida, you can easily go through listings in that particular region and select the property you like.
Initially on third-party websites, one could list their homes with the help of licensed real estate agents. But thanks to the advent of real estate sites like Houzeo, Zillow, Redfin, etc – buyers and sellers can have easy access to a countrywide inventory of homes.
- Visuals:
You cannot ignore the contribution of images on multiple listing sites. Essentially the online version of “curb appeal”, these photos of your property can either make or break a sale. Even if your property is perfectly maintained, impeccably renovated, furnished using modular amenities – the need for aesthetic pictures never dies. Clean and professionally clicked pictures have become one of the mandates to attract more buyers. Some tools even let you have a drone vision of the property.
- Closing Process:
Because of these real estate websites, the closing process has been simplified. They have streamlined the information and banking industries, thus helping the buyer and seller to have a transparent transaction. With an agent excluded from the transaction, you end up saving more and paying less commission.
From a smooth listing to determining the accurate closing cost, what once took weeks or months can now take just a couple of days.
- Which Are The Best Real Estate Websites?
With a plethora of options available, there are a handful of websites that offer you the “For Sale By Owner” option along with multiple listing services. Not only this helps you get more eyeballs on your listing but also lets you have more control over your sale. Some of the websites that offer you flexible listing plans which helps save more money are:
- Houzeo
- Redfin
- Zillow & Trulia (they both are the same)
- ForSaleByOwner.com
- Realtor.com
Bottom Line:
Buying or selling a home is one of the most crucial financial decisions you will ever make. Make sure to select the best real estate website to have a smooth selling or buying experience. The next time you need an opinion on whether to go with an agent or a website, save this blog to measure the pros and cons of both options.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Real Estate, Reviews
