We have been living in the digital age for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until last year when we truly started using and appreciating all the abilities of technology. Since we had to stay inside, we learned that pretty much anything could be done online – paying bills, grocery shopping, etc. The world did not stop; it just became more digital. The same thing happened with the real estate industry. It never stopped; it just changed its ways of operating. Some people say that it even changed for the better, but we will leave it up to you to decide. Thus, without further ado, here is what real estate in the digital age looks like.
Browsing for Properties
This is not something entirely new – people used to browse for properties online even before the pandemic outbreak. But, what they could find out about a particular real estate market or a specific property was limited. So, for instance, if somebody googled best Arizona real estate markets in 2021, they just got the basic information about it. But nowadays, once you google that, you will get an abundance of data, the same information that a real estate agent would provide.
Online Meetups
Another thing that has drastically changed since the real estate industry turned to technology is the meetups. Before, if someone wanted to buy (or sell) a home, they would have to meet their real estate agent, banking advisors, tons of sellers and their agents, contractors, inspectors, and ultimately, movers. Nowadays, all these people are just a click away. Since arranging things is so easily done online, why would one even bother to go to so many places and meet so many people? Things are simply easier with real estate in the digital age.
Open Houses
Open houses were prohibited during the last year. So, buyers and sellers (and their agents) found a way to be creative. Instead of organizing these big meetups, they hosted open houses online. Some did this professionally and had their house modeled in 3D, and some simply filmed their homes. Buyers also could chat with the sellers and be provided with personal, online, home tours.
Property Purchase Tracking Apps
In this day and age, you can track pretty much anything. You can track the package you have ordered; you can perform competitor analysis and track your competition. But, did you know that, as we speak, certain apps are being developed that help buyers and sellers track how their house is coming along. No more emails, phone calls, and constant visits – everything they need to know will be on that app.
Online Signatures and Money Transfers
Money transfers are usually done online, so this is not a significant change in real estate. However, before the pandemic, online signatures were not common – mostly because people thought they were not legitimate. Of course, double-checking everything before signing, especially when making an online purchase, is an absolute must. But, as a reliable real estate agent, you are there to ensure clients that real estate in the digital age is nothing to worry about.