Power Tools for Buyer's Representatives

There once was a time when internet sites like Myspace and Youtube could simply be classified as a distraction for teenagers. Now these pages are taking on a much wider role, as real estate professionals and consumers alike recognize the sites' viability as a sales tool. One of the main factors behind the growing popularity of nontraditional Web sites in the real estate business is "a change in the consumer mindset about house hunting," says Florida's TCPalm.com. Socail websites like YouTube and MySpace are even leading to the creation of similar sites catering specifically to real estate, such as ActiveRain and MotivatedSeller.com. "This is a natural evolution and for the buyer it's all about getting information," said Brad Hunter, director of Metrostudy's South Florida division. "It really makes sense when you think about it. On the Web it's non-committal, non-confrontational." (For more on YouTube and Web 2.0, be sure to check the latest Web Wizard Report from NAR's Information Central).

Posted on October 24 at 03:01 PM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (0)

First time homebuyers are struggling to get a foot on the property ladder according to a recent AP-AOL real estate poll. Despite the recent shift from a sellers market to a buyers market many feel that home prices are still too high and most expect them to rise in coming years. As many as 59% of those polled actually felt as though conditions are worse now than they were 5 years ago and almost half felt that homes are still overpriced. Nearly all those polled (80%) felt that first time home buyers would have difficulty with housing affordability.

Posted on October 24 at 11:16 AM | Permanent Link | Add a Comment (0)