Having a world of information at our fingertips has changed how consumers make purchases in their lives. Whether it’s researching to be fully informed before buying, or buying online for the convenience factor, the Internet is influencing purchasing decisions. For the third year in a row, 95 percent of home buyers used the Internet at some point when searching for a home, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. Half of those people said they found the home they eventually purchased, online.
Although the Internet is changing how people look for a home, buyers still rely on the expertise of a real estate agent to assist with purchasing a home. The top two factors buyers attributed to buying through an agent were finding the right home and negotiating terms of the sale. These reasons led to 87 percent of buyers purchasing their home through a real estate agent for the second year in a row. Furthermore, 90 percent of respondents said they would definitely or probably use their agent again, or recommend them to someone else.
While the Internet may be a great place to start looking for your next house, it should not be your only resource. Adding a real estate agent to your buying process gives you access to a professional who is familiar with the local market and knows the right questions to ask to avoid any surprises after the deal is finalized.
Many of the hot housing markets in Florida currently have a low inventory, making it a sellers’ market. More people are buying houses than are coming to market, which adds a level of pressure to close faster or potentially miss the opportunity to make an offer.
“With inventory so low, buyers are relying on their agent’s knowledge of markets and neighborhoods to find listings, rather than relying only on online searches,” says NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall. “A Realtor has years of experience, generating insight and expertise that can help buyers navigate a tight market where buyers are forced to move fast and make competitive bids in order to get their dream home.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty has real estate professionals throughout Florida that are ready to share their expertise and local market knowledge to help you find your next home. Contact us today to get expert help completing your next real estate transaction.
