Today, I was researching Real Estate Apps from my phone. On one of the applications, I saw a user’s comment that read, “I want to find information on a house (online) before I bother a REALTOR®.” I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say, “PLEASE, BOTHER US!” For one, it’s not a “bother,” it’s what we do for a living; give us the task. Why waste hours online (or on phone apps) searching for information when we can email/text the most up-to-date details in minutes?
If you’re actively house-hunting online, might as well contact a professional who can point you in the right direction. Not only will it save you time, but it will save time for the REALTOR® you’ll eventually hire.
There are SO MANY real estate sites where shoppers can begin their house-hunt. Unfortunately, most of the sites take days to update listing statuses. What’s the inconvenience? By the time a potential Buyer contacts a local REALTOR®, the home they fell in love with (online) is either sold or no longer available.
WHERE DO REALTORS® HOUSE HUNT? We are members of our local Real Estate Board. We pay dues to access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). As soon as a REALTOR®/Listing Agent inputs a new listing, changes a price on a listing or places a house back on the market, we have access instantly.
WHERE DO OTHER REAL ESTATE SITES OBTAIN THEIR LISTINGS? It starts with MLS; from MLS it is forwarded to REALTOR.COM. From REALTOR.COM, listings can be syndicated to all the other Real Estate web sites. Some syndicate within 24 hours while others might take days or even weeks to sync. At REALTOR.COM, they update every 15 minutes!
So, if you still want to surf online or check out a phone app for property listings, I highly recommend REALTOR.COM (yes, there’s an app for that). However; if you’re ready for up-to-the-minute listing information, contact a REALTOR®/Buyer’s Agent. Remember, Listing Agents (and Builders) represent the Sellers. You have the right to hire your very own, “Buyer’s Agent.” In many cases, it will not cost you a penny to hire one. BOTHER A REALTOR® TODAY!
*PERSONAL NOTE FROM VAL: I don’t mind text messages and/or emails if you want to ease your way into the whirlwind of real estate. I understand most folks prefer an online introduction before a phone call and/or face-to-face meeting. You can count on me to provide essential information that will help you make careful and educated real estate decisions. ~Val Aranda. (San Antonio, TX)
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Agent Val A., Offering ‘Valet’ Real Estate Service Around the Clock!
Texas law requires all real estate license holders to provide the Information About Brokerage Services to all prospective clients. TREC’s Consumer Protection Notice.
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