Buying a Home and the Internet

Buying and the Internet

Friday, October 17, 2008

by The Applegate Team

I had a co-worker ask me this morning how the Internet helped my marketing. I never had to hesitate before answering because in so many ways the Internet has enriched my business.
With my personality I like the ability to check out things and compare different site before I commit to purchase something. (Must be why I am such and ebay fan). This seems to also be true of a lot of my on-line clients they like the anonymity of the Internet. The ability to check out other company websites and look at houses through sites such as Realtor.com or MLS.com and find what they desire before contacting an agent.

I know that when I make contact with someone as a result of our site that they are serious lookers and interested in either selling or buying. Maybe not right this minute but they are gathering information and preparing themselves with knowledge so when they do choose their agent they will have some ideal of their background and market area.

Does this bother us as agents? Not a bit it actually makes our job a whole lot easier. We have had customers comment on our photos of the dogs or other such things and it makes a connection for us. It is an ice breaker many times upon first meeting.

By using the Internet as a marketing tool we have the ability to update and change listing instantly. If we take pictures when a homeowner is moving out we can then go back and update when they are totally moved out. It does not have to go through a third party just us. We are able to stay on top of our inventory and serve our clients better.

Does it bother me that customers check out several other sites? Heck no! When they choose us we know they have looked over the competition and we placed. Thats a good thing, and we expect it.

So to go back to the start of this post do we embrace the Internet as a buying tool for homes in todays market? Of course we do, We have actually sold several homes site unseen over the Internet. ( A little scary but true). We just take tons of pics and upload them on a site for the buyer to check out and then we go back and take more where needed. We now have the ability to do a veri sign and our contracts are all done on the Internet, They just have to show up for closing. There are a lot of investors who buy and never see the property they are buying based upon our recommendation and pictures and the mls info. The Internet makes this easy and accessible when in the past it was snail mail.

So don't be afraid to check us out or or competition! We love what the Internet can do for you as a buyer or a seller. It is a great tool and one that almost all home owners go to first.
Well enough of my rambling just thought I would post. Have a great weekend

Jacque



If you are interested in buying or selling in Warner Robins , Centerville, Byron, Bonaire, Houston, Peach or Crawford County. Call or text me now.