The use of the Internet is just beginning. His firm has launched a new Web site that is more interactive and allows potential buyers to see a home online and immediately make an appointment with an agent to view it. Previously, you would have to check 10 or more sites to see all the listings. The free service is designed to assist buyers and sellers with needed services, such as arranging for utility hookups or disconnects, making home repairs, obtaining home inspections, lawn care or quotes for home insurance, or scheduling moving vans and cable television installation. Also scheduled for improvement are video tours.
Nothing replaces actually visiting a house, but video tours help buyers to narrow their choices.
In the long run, Baird believes automation will drive costs down. Home buying and selling will be on a fee basis, rather than commissions. The Internet will play a bigger role as an information source and may even become the standard resource. Despite technology, people still want the personal touch. It's mind-boggling how much information is involved in buying and selling a home.