The Role of Technology in Real Estate
According to the 2015 National Association of Realtors, the typical home seller in 2013 was 54 years of age and had lived in their home for nine years. This means people selling their homes and looking to buy new ones haven’t been in the real estate game for 9-12 years. The industry has seen some big changes in that amount of time, such as housing prices, styles, and most notably, technology.
The Information Age The 2000s alone have seen the world go from very little internet and no cell phones to the information age, giving you everything you need to know right at your fingertips. This revolution has dramatically changed the market . The Internet is usually the first stop for home buyers. Through some simple and quick research, a buyer can know everything they want about a house: prices, taxes, community, style and more. Instead of waiting for an examiner to determine a home’s value, buyers and sellers can get a rough estimate within minutes.
This isn’t the only type information out there. Corporate websites and personal blogs offer information about properties and give advice on topics such as the market, staging and other “insider” aspects. Real estate websites now offer virtual tours and 3D images. Buyers can access price and tax histories, neighborhood crime rates, proximity to parks and restaurants making the transparency for much higher in the housing market.
Helpful Apps Another addition to the real estate technology-upgrade is apps. Some helpful ones include: Lovely- The app is location based so it is easy to find homes nearby. You can create preferences and be alerted as soon as new property hits the market. You can save your favorites for future reference.
Homesnap- This app allows users to find more about places they already like. In the app, you can take a photo of the home you are interested in and gain all kinds of knowledge about the property. The app determines the investment and appreciation potential of the home.
Zillow Mortgages- This app has an affordability calculator that will let you know how much income you should be making to afford a particular home. It calculates the potential mortgage and also has a refinance calculator.
Coldwell Banker- The app provides local listings and is always up to date. Some unique features include drawing your specific search area, saving your searches and listings, school and neighborhood boundaries, and easy connection to an agent.
Information Overload
Technology is great and can really streamline our lives, but it can also give us information overload. That’s why it makes sense to take your research to a licensed Realtor® , like me, who has an intimate understanding of the local market. I love the new age of real estate and how it empowers buyers. If you have been out of the game and are looking to buy or sell, or if you aren’t new to the game but overwhelmed by all the information, let me help. I will work to get the best deal for you, whether buying or selling and get you into the perfect home or get your property sold at your ideal price. Message or follow me on Facebook, I would love to meet you.
Contact me today: 513-254-5440, email michelle.hudepohl@cbws.com or visit online. I’m ready to help you move in the right direction! Find me on Facebook.
Disclaimer: Michelle Hudepohl is an advertiser on MasonMetu. Many thanks for her continued support.
