Buying a home is often the most significant investment a person makes in their lifetime. People who understand the magnitude of this investment are unwilling to gamble when buying or selling their homes. A Realtor® can be a great asset in this endeavor, yet many are willing to play a game of chance when choosing one.
The Hook is the House
Many home shoppers start their search online. Websites such as Zillow.com, Realtor.com, and many others provide tools and information to assist consumers with the process. Of course, these home search websites offer all this functionality out of the kindness of their hearts. Well – If you believe it is a charitable offering, I have some swamp land coming for sale on February 30th.
Pay to Play
The mega-real estate websites hope you find a home of interest on their site and request more information or a showing. If someone inquires about a house, an agent will contact the customer shortly after making the request. In almost every case, the agent will NOT be the agent who listed the property.
Here is where the “Realtor® Roulette” starts – The choice of what agent contacts the would-be home buyer has nothing to do with their experience, knowledge of the area, or any other quality that a consumer may consider when choosing a professional. It has more to do with how much the agent pays the website company.
The real estate website makes its money by offering agents the opportunity to be one of those contacting you. You are just a lead to the real estate website company. It does not matter to the website company if you are successful. What matters is that the agents keep paying them.
Do Your Homework
Consider the following: The home-buying market has never been tighter. The inventory of available homes is thin. Find the right real estate agent first, and you will have the best opportunity to own the house you want.
Home sellers are often more seasoned when selecting a representative. When selling their home, they interview agents and choose the one that will best help them meet their goals. Buyers should take a cue from this practice.
Either way, do your homework and don’t leave your home ownership dreams to chance. It is just too important!
Knowledge is Power! Jeffrey C. Hogue
