Nearly nine out of ten realtors own or lease a computer, with the rate of ownership virtually indifferent to age, experience, and level of education. Consumers typically contact a real estate professional after using a real estate Web site. The major change in the practice of real estate is the availability of real estate information. In the past, the real estate professional was the gatekeeper to all property information. This shift is forcing the real estate industry to rethink what value brokers and agents bring to the real estate transaction.
Consumers expect much more of a real estate agent today than in the past.
They expect real estate professionals to use the latest technology to meet clients need. Consumers demand more information, a more efficient delivery system, and tools that are easy to use and personalized. Because consumers no longer have to rely on real estate agent for each and every step in the home buying process, today's real estate professionals must be adept with the World Wide Web. Today's empowered consumers can now contact a realtor armed with a list of homes they want to see, saving time for all parties involved. Some sellers may still depend on industry professionals to do the legwork, but buyers and sellers will gravitate to service options that meet their specific needs, whether web-based or from a personal representative.