With the influx of technology and web-based solutions, it’s no surprise that everything is moving fast into the era of the internet. From sites like Uber to Grubhub, we can generally pull up our phones or laptops to order what we want with ease. With every industry being rocked by technology, the same methods are attempting to be applied to the real estate industry.
We can all agree that the simplification of paperwork processes would be much appreciated by agents and buyers/sellers alike; but the attempt to replace the agent by sites like Zillow and other third-party sources can lead to a disastrous snowball effect. You can use your devices to look at homes on the market and look at market data, but this information should be taken lightly until you have had the chance to consult with a real estate professional. In addition, once the contract is signed, as a buyer you will want that same professional by your side to help navigate any issues that may arise. Can Zillow do that? The same is true for sellers. You will want a knowledgeable agent to help you look over any potential offers and terms agreed upon in the contract. There is more to the sale of a home than just agreeing on a number.
The next time you’re digging through public sites for homes for sale or getting an instant home evaluation estimate, keep in mind that this is a simple process to give you an IDEA of the current market. This is not set in stone and it shouldn’t be a relied-upon resource for your home buying or selling transaction. After you’ve found the perfect home, or you’ve decided to sell your own, contact an experienced agent to assist you through the process. Although you may feel like you’ve got in under control during the exciting first steps of the process, it’s in the middle of the deal that you realize you really need your agent’s help. It’s when lending is falling apart, or you can’t come to agreement on repairs when emotions are running high; that’s when you’re going to wish you had stepped away from the laptop and had an agent fighting by your side.
All that to say, we are not at a day and age where technology can do everything that a professional can.