Selling a Home in 2012: Importance of Online Listings

These days, it's impossible to sell a house without some kind of online presence. From real estate agent websites to online directories of homes for sale, web-based marketing opportunities increase your exposure and the chances of a quick sale. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), an estimated 80 percent of home buyers begin their search for a new home by looking online. Our Real estate buying statistics here in Eugene Oregon are no different — they mirror the rest of the country.

Why Online Real Estate?

The number one reason why people turn to the Internet when buying or selling a home is ease of use. Just about everyone is online these days, whether they use a home computer or handheld device. They want easy access to information on homes for sale, as well as databases that narrow the search to their specific needs. They want updated information at the touch of a button, and they want to be able to do their own research without having to contact their real estate agent every time.

In short, online home listings save time—and that's something no one has enough of.

There are benefits to home sellers, as well. When you list your home for sale online, you can reach a larger audience at a faster pace, and with a lower marketing budget. Whether you put your own house up for sale or if you choose a real estate agent with an interactive and updated website, you are just a few snapshots and a short description away from reaching thousands of interested parties. And because they aren't likely to make an appointment to see your house without doing their research first, you'll only be asked to show your home to those who are really interested in buying—which is safer for you and your family.

How to Get Your Home Online

The number one way to list your home online is to find a real estate agent who promotes a web-savvy presence. Chances are that putting up an online profile of your home (and marketing through the web platform) will be part of the overall package of services they provide—and without any additional cost on your end.

Real estate agents love online home listings for all the same reasons homebuyers and sellers do, so it's in their best interest to have a web presence. When you search for a real estate agent, look for:

• A professional website
• A well-kept blog or other interactive section
• Links to online home sale directories
• QR codes (those little bar codes you can read with a smartphone) on for sale signs
• Website information that is easily accessible
• Updated web content

It is possible to sell a home without going online, but most of today's real estate experts don't recommend it. The fastest and easiest way to get your home sold or to find a house that suits all your family's needs is to start your search on the Internet—and to have someone at your side, like a Key Realty Group agent, who promotes this style of marketing for our digital age.

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