Things We Knew, but Now We “Know”

From the “Huh, I knew that, but it’s good to see a chart” department…

This is a screen cap of the National Association of Realtors® 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.  Instinctively, I believe many agents know this in their bones, but it is still something to see the chart laid out with cold, hard numbers.

Todd’s spin:  In 2008, there was a two percentage point difference between agents and the internet as sources where the buyer eventually found their home.  As agents, we have nearly been replaced by the internet in terms of buyers finding a home.  This does not speak of any of the value we bring in negotiation, property acquisition, network of service providers or our flat out experience in getting buyers and sellers to the closing table.

For agents to also consider:  32% (nearly 1/3) of buyers found their home online.  If your marketing material doesn’t include a web-presence, please join us in the 21st century.  For those that have a web component to your marketing material, an overwhelming majority I’m positive, your marketing needs to stand head and shoulders above your competition…

…and not from YOUR perspective!

You need to view your web marketing through the eyes of the “average” buyer hunting and pecking for homes online.  AND you need to see your marketing effort through the eyes of your seller.

• Are you making good on your promise to “be everywhere” on the ‘net?
• Are you quantifying what “being everywhere” on the ‘net means to your sellers?
• Can 100% of the potential buyers find the home online?
• Is your seller engaged in the online marketing of their property?
  • with the rise of video and social networking, it is a no-brainer for you and your sellers to collaborate in marketing their home

But then, I’m preaching to the choir again, aren’t I?