The 2005 National Association of Realtors Home Buyer & Seller Survey shows rising use of the internet and increasing reliance on Real Estate professionals. Here are some of the statistics cited:
- 9 out of 10 home buyers use a Real Estate agent in the search process.
- 77% of home searches begin on the internet.
- 81% of buyers who use the internet to search for a home purchase through a Real Estate agent.
- Only 13% of sellers conducted a transaction without the assistance of a Real Estate professional.
- The median home price for sellers who use an agent is 16% higher than a home sold directly by an owner. (While many unrepresented sellers are motivated to save on paying a commission, the pricing overwhelmingly produces higher net proceeds.)
- The most popular internet resource used by buyers are as follows:
- Realtor.com - 54%
- MLS web sites - 50%
- Real Estate company sites - 38%
- Real Estate agent sites - 31%
- Local Newspaper sites - 15%
In summary, while many have predicted a decline in the need for a professional when selling or buying a home due to today's technology, the exact opposite is true. The value proposition a Real Estate consultant brings to serving your goals of home ownership is greater than ever!
