Quo Vadis Realtors' Websites
>From the outset, there is no doubt that there will be a
substantial increase in the use of the internet by all
participants in the real estate process.
Currently, you can search for properties to buy, sell,
permanently rent or holiday rent. You can also pay your rent
online, download contacts online and much more.
According to Shane Dale, Managing Director of Australian real
estate agent website developer, PropertyMode.com.au, there will
be a greater move towards an interactive experience where buyers
can search for property, then apply for and obtain a loan, or
make an offer directly online. The acceptance of these
interfaces will grow and people will feel more comfortable with
this format.
Email homefinder systems will be the way to do the property
hunting and they will be provided by the agents, with a deeper
search criteria.
Realtors will act as consultants, who submit the search data
into the automated finder systems for the client. The shortlist
is then sent, as the properties are listed, to the buyer, who
can then choose which ones are the most suitable to actually
inspect.
Buyers will be able to assess the market in minutes by using a
quick search of all properties on the market. Obviously this
will impact on the role of the real estate agent, if information
is so freely available?
There will be an enormous convergence of mobile phones, PDA and
mobile internet access and this will dramatically change the way
properties are presented.
Mobile phone penetration is much deeper than home computers and
they can give instant access to information anywhere. It's even
fashionable to use them for data services and real estate will
be involved in this, especially in property management.
It's still a little early to see the clear trend for real estate
with mobile phones, but they are definitely going internet now.
You can already see the use of sms home finder notification
systems, that are really quick. As a buyer, you know when a
suitable property comes on the market within minutes of listing,
wherever you are. Mms will add photos and text data to that
service - even virtual tours are available on mobile phones.
In conclusion we can expect substantial changes to the way in
which the real estate sales and rental processes are conducted
via the internet and as a result of this, the future role of
realtors in these processes.