In previous generations or realtors utilized the local newspapers, home magazines, and billboards. According to the Pew Internet report real estate buyers are seeking a online avenues now more than ever.
From 2000 on the 27% Increase in Online Househunting up to 39% in Six Years. Who is using 21st technology to find houses? Simple, almost anyone regardless of age or income.
the greatest population of online users are in the younger adult age range from 18 to 29 (51%). However as age increases, Internet use decreases. For potential new homebuyers in the 30 to 49 age range only 43% used the Internet. Baby boomers aged 50 to 64 have a 27% utilization of the Internet for homebuying.
What these statistics reveal is that realtors of today had better invest in web sites that have been optimized to ensure high traffic. Also, given that people still want to conduct business with people, a high ranked web site alone will not secure you a sold or listed home. Your real estate agents must embrace a proven sales process especially given that each home buyer can be a repeat customer anywhere from 3 to 7 times over the course of their lifetimes.
With the New Year just starting, now is the time to run not walk to your strategic plan. Make sure you direct marketing and online marketing goals are outlined as well as yourselves goals and revisit this plan throughout the year. With these statistics consistently growing every year, you cannot afford to wait.