There is no doubt that the public have become much more market savvy.  Almost half of the agents polled in the survey mentioned in the pervious section, had clients bring them information that was not provided to them through MLS or REALTOR systems. In other words, these clients brought to the table property information that they themselves found online.  For real estate professionals, this translates into a direct savings of time and effort.  Real estate professionals, working with a client’s initial research can efficiently pool properties that meet their client’s needs precisely.  Out of this has come the very strong correlation between online lead generation and strong sale closures. The end result is that the real estate website has replaced the agent or professional as the primary educational element in a real estate transaction.

A third function of real estate websites, is the element of convenience.  A client looking to purchase real estate can take their time and thoroughly research properties when it is convenient to them. Similarly, the lack of sales pressure at the outset of their real estate research greatly reduces stress at a time when clients feel most vulnerable. An informed client is a comfortable and confident client. The process of buying a home is already stressful enough. Having someone pressure you into a decision within a desired time frame only really benefits one party. It is not uncommon for clients to spend several months online researching properties and the market before stepping foot in a real estate office. Once at the table, these clients have a clear understanding of their needs and again, this makes the selling process much easier and more efficient. 

As real estate websites get ever more popular there is some question as to the role of the real estate professional in the future. Will the traditional agent be replaced by real estate websites? All research indicates that the answer is no. The while the internet is a sound fit within the real estate industry, it is not a replacement for trained real estate professionals. The general consensus amongst clients surveyed is that while agents assisted them finalize their property choices, they enjoyed and benefited from using the internet initially to see what the market was like.  Real estate websites rarely sell properties. Instead they generate leads, educate potential clients and greatly increase and agents efficiency.  At the end of the day however, the agent still has to close the deal – something which the internet has yet to master.

In the final analysis, real estate websites represent a bridging tool between real estate professional and client. For clients, real estate websites represent convince and information that can direct their eventual purchase.  For the real estate professional, a real estate website is a source of valuable, educated and knowledgeable leads.  In both cases, real estate websites are tools which facilitate efficient rapid closes that benefit both parties.

Part 1 - Part 2

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