Ok, this is interesting....big article last week in the San Francisco Chronicle (and lots of other newspapers too....but read this one first)....about Zillow-Trulia merger and how that is going to affect the real estate market. Of course we've seen lots and lots of changes in the real estate business over the years. I remember way back when I first started in 1977 we had the MLS book where every listing was posted and the book came out once a week. Heaven forbid if we didn't have our current MLS book with us at all times, in case a buyer or seller had questions about a listing. New "pendings" and recorded "sales" would be posted in the new books weekly too. But the book got bigger and bigger and heavier and heavier....good grief, it was starting to feel like carrying Websters Dictionary around with us. Ahhhhhh, then came the computer and MLS online. Granted, there were some "old timers" who whined and cried and complained about not having the book, but alas.....technology was here to stay, and we all adjusted. Just as we will all adjust to all of these online real estate services being offered.
My thinking is this.....anything that gets you information quickly and easily can't be all bad, can it. Now granted, all of this information "may" not be current and "may" not be accurate, but probaby for the most part, it can get you pretty decent information. Our challenges as consumers has been getting this information accurately and completely. If you're trying to pull up the value of your home on Zillow or Trulia then trying to convince your Realtor you know more about values than he or she or our current MLS comps are.....that's when you run into trouble. Taking a photo from "space" and comparing one home to another based on square footage or location alone, will not, I repeat NOT get you an accurate valuation of your homes worth.
As a long-time ( 35+years) Realtor who has seen many many changes over the years, I assure you, the Professional Realtor is not going to be replaced by these online real estate services.
The Chronicle article says "change in the real estate business is inevitable"....true true true. And what is also true, is Realtors provide very valuable services to both buyers and sellers. I just completed a sale for my buyers up in Rancho Murieta and in the course of the transaction made at least 5 trips up there, assisting my buyers with their inspections, appraiser, providing resources for handymen, showing them at least 12 other homes before deciding on the one they liked.....gave them a tour of the clubhouse and facilities.....just a litany of services all done before the sale even closed! They were lovely folks who were referred by her son, whom I'd sold a home to several years ago. But had they just found the home on a website, they were still going to want to see the inside, see other homes to see how they compared size-wise and price-wise...then they needed a professional to write up the contract and negotiate for them....and on and on and on. You get my point.
We, as Realtors, work very hard on behalf of our clients. Even though most of my business now is repeat and referral, I always provide a list of current and recent clients who would be more than happy to speak about their experience in working with me. I think it's prudent of buyers and sellers to ask for that list, regardless of what Realtor they elect to work with.
Use the websites to get an idea of what kinds of homes are in the neighborhood you're looking for, what the "approximate" values might be, the parks, schools, shopping....these websites can provide that kind of general information. But if you're a serious buyer or seller, find a good professional and knowledgeable Realtor to work with and they'll find you the perfect home....or get you top dollar when you're ready to sell yours!
Better yet...CALL ME! I'd love to help you.....I was born and raised here in Sacramento, attended Coloma, Kit Carson, Sac High and then graduated from CSUS....... PATTI MARTINEZ 447-1451
