As many GreatWest GMAC Real Estate clients have learned in the last few years, technology and the Internet has dramatically empowered them in their quest to buy and sell real estate. There is a wealth of websites available, where buyers can conduct their own searches for homes. Many buyers (and sellers too) begin their search, before contacting an agent, and some continue to search, on their own, even while working with a real estate professional.

Internet consumer searches are done in much the same way, as real estate agents. Search parameters (towns, price range, number of bedrooms and baths, square footage, lot size), can be entered into the criteria. From the input populated in the search fields, listings are produced to match the criteria.

Here is where having a Real Estate Professional working with you can make a tremendous difference. Usually in the marketing of properties, listings are presented in “their best light.” In other words, great pictures, marketing descriptions and comments can many times exaggerate the positive, while underplaying the negative – if not totally ignoring it.

Real Estate Professionals use their market knowledge and expertise to allow them to filter out properties, which will not work for their clients.

One GreatWest GMAC Real Estate professional remembered a personal friend, who lived in another state, who was ready to relocate to yet another state. The friend was using one of the more popular Internet websites geared for real estate buyers and sellers. The friend flew half way across the country to put in an offer on the house in the picture. She had fallen in love with the huge oak tree in front of the quaint looking house in the “exceptional” picture.

However, when she arrived at the property, she found the huge Oak tree, was mere inches from the front of the house, and it’s roots were actually busting out the slab in the dining room. The branches were threatening the roof.

It was then, that the friend realized that a referral to a good real estate agent in the area was a great idea after all.

Working with a real estate professional provides interaction with someone who is knowledgeable about the marketplace, and listing inventory. And working with a real estate professional saves you valuable time that can come from viewing properties that will truly work for you and your family.

Internet searches are a Great tool for buyers and sellers, but they simply don’t replace a professional and knowledgeable agent.

Written for: GreatWest GMAC Real Estate
By: Myrl Jeffcoat