Top Reasons to Check Out Your Agent's Online Presence
A LOT can be considered when choosing a real estate agent and it's a very personal decision. Some people just choose an agent they know or an agent they are trying to help get business...but some people really look at it like a business decision. They want the agent with the most education and experience to ensure they are getting a good value.
With the invent of social media and the domination of the internet home search, another layer of consideration about the agent you choose has been added.
Have you Googled Your Agent Lately?
It's pretty simple to check online quickly by just typing your agent's name into the search bar. If they have a common name, add the words "real estate" after their name.
- Most buyers start their search online - Over 80% of buyers look at homes online. Does your agent know how to be found online?
- Reputation - Is your agent a "potty mouth" on public forums? Are the reviews positive and legit?
- Affiliations - Is your agent affiliated with reputable groups, companies and charities?
- Connections - Connected agents have more resources for you and ability to get homes sold faster.
- Websites - Does your agent own their own domains/URLs? Are their websites mobile friendly? Do they have a mobile app? Not surprisingly, mobile devices and tablets are increasingly becoming a resource for home buyers. Their usage lifted to 72 percent in this year's survey, which is up from 61 percent a year ago and 45 percent in 2013. Furthermore, 58 percent of buyers indicated they found the home they purchased on a mobile app.
- Community Profiles - Does your agent have complete profiles in public real estate communities?
- How many pages of results show your agent's name? The more they have networked themselves online, the more pages of results will appear.
Consider looking for an agent with online certifications such as ePRO and make sure they are current certifications. The internet is growing and changing FAST! You want an agent that is on top of the changes!
*Statistics from 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
