Why Homebuyers Use the Internet to Search For Homes

Will real estate agents become extinct due to the internet? Research has shown that first-time buyers use the Internet to search for homes and learn about the home-buying process. In contrast, seniors and repeat buyers are less likely to search the Internet for their homes. However, more than 75 percent of first-time buyers report using the Internet for a new home. In addition, eight of 10 first-time home buyers have driven by a home they first viewed online.

Real Estate Agents

The Internet has changed the way that homebuyers find homes. They can research and contact real estate agents or realtors near me online, browse virtual walkthroughs, and even apply for mortgages. More than 97% of homebuyers used the Internet to find their new home, up from 52% a year ago. A recent National Association of Realtors report found that buyers use different online tools at varying stages of the home-buying process. In the beginning, they tend to use search engines and general websites. In the middle, they use maps, while mobile applications are most useful toward the end of their search.

The study results show that homebuyers are more likely to use the Internet when looking for foreclosed properties, citing the importance of detailed information on the website. The number of foreclosure-related searches rose 180 percent across mobile and desktop devices in 2013 compared with the previous year. The top states where foreclosure-related searches increased were Florida, South Dakota, Oregon, and South Carolina.

Yard Signs

Recent statistics reveal that 84 percent of homebuyers use the Internet to search for homes. As a result, many have taken on the information-gathering role that an agent once took on. These agents charge a commission of about six percent of the sale price, three percent for the seller, and three percent for the buyer. A wide variety of similar Web sites now allow homebuyers to browse through homes and view aerial photos.

The number of people using the Internet to search for homes is growing yearly. Google searches related to real estate have increased 253 percent in the past four years. Eighty-one percent of homebuyers rely on the Internet as their primary source of information, and 62 percent of first-time buyers use it as a primary research tool.

Open Houses

Open houses are a big part of the home-buying process. However, they can backfire if you are not prepared for them. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make them a success. First, pick a newly listed property to host the open house to increase the chances of a good turnout. This will draw in more buyers and potential neighbors. If possible, schedule the open house for the day after the property hits the market.

Make your open house an experience. Try incorporating hook-and-draws into the marketing strategy and include an hour-long window for neighbors to stop by. Remember, most neighbors will not want to come to an open house without a buyer. You can also host a virtual open house using Facebook events. The good news is that these events don’t cost you as much as a traditional ad.

Google

Google recently introduced a new home search tool to simplify home buying. With its new home search tool, homebuyers can get the exact information they need and find a home that fits their budget. The search tool also includes new features like mortgage information. No wonder more people are using Google to search for a home.

The study also found that nine out of 10 homebuyers use Google at some point while buying a home. Of those, 52 percent started their research on a search engine using a term relevant to where they wanted to live. In addition, those who searched on Google were 9 percent more likely to complete an action on a real estate website than those who didn’t use a search engine. Moreover, searchers performed an average of 11 searches before achieving the desired “conversion activity” on a real estate website.

YouTube

YouTube is a popular platform that real estate agents can use to attract buyers and sellers. The site has over 167 million monthly visitors and is ranked the top mobile video and music streaming app. It’s also the second largest social network. It offers videos on any topic, from how to use a car to tour a house. And it’s no wonder that people use it to research homes.

The first step to creating a successful YouTube channel is to create informative and interesting videos about your listings. This will help you build a credible brand as a professional and trustworthy expert. The second step is to create a video publishing plan. YouTube favors channels that post regularly. By following a plan, viewers can expect your videos to increase your traffic and reduce your bounce rate.