Scott's customers Chris and Michelle Hill were about to give up on finding a home in the Seattle neighborhood they wanted. Then, his brother suggested searching online. He found other homes in the area selling at prices in the target range, and now, Chris, Michelle and cats Rizzo and Mr. Toots are in a new home. Cronk sees virtual tours and other technology boosting real estate business overall in the next few years, although he thinks high-speed Internet access needs to come before major changes occur. He likens it to weekend open houses that motivate people to buy or sell a home even when they weren't making plans to.
Consumers have greater access to information about buying homes.
It's easier to gather information. That spurs the process.