Technology Changes Home Search
A study comparing Internet and traditional homebuyers finds that technology is revolutionizing the homebuying process for many Californians. "Internet versus Traditional Buyers," a report released by the California Association of REALTORSŪ (CAR), summarizes the findings of surveys completed by 300 Internet homebuyers and 300 traditional homebuyers during the fourth quarter of 2000. Here are some of the key findings:
- Traditional homebuyers looked at 15.1 homes with a REALTORŪ prior to making a purchase -- nearly twice as many as Internet buyers, who looked at only 7.9 homes.
- Internet buyers spend 4.6 weeks investigating homes and neighborhoods before contacting a REALTORŪ -- as opposed to 1.9 weeks for traditional homebuyers.
- 78 percent of Internet homebuyers found their REALTORŪ on the Internet -- not as a result of farming, referrals, advertising, or sign calls.
- 34 percent of Internet homebuyers think the Internet helped them better understand housing options -- and for 33 percent, the Internet helped them determine what they could afford.
- 71 percent of Internet homebuyers were first shown the home they purchased by a REALTORŪ. (Source: www.car.org/newstand).
As an internet savvy consumer myself, I respect the need to "look" at homes on the internet first. Thats why I always have interior photos and extra information about ALL my listings - regardless of the price range. |
