Real estate agents are needed more than ever!

According to savvy real estate agents Bill and Jill Parlee, contrary to initial expectations, the Internet is an agent's friend.

Many believed the Internet would result in people needing agents less, Bill says. They thought buyers would not only look at property online but essentially do every stage of their transaction this way. All the stats would be right there, an e Bay clone could sell your house (and do it for less commission, too). The role of the agent would be diminished. But, it seems, just the opposite has happened.

The Internet makes so many properties accessible, the agent's role is not simply to bring properties to a client's attention, since the Internet can do this, but to utilize his or her real estate expertise to greater advantage by acting as a consultant. More information doesn't necessarily make a buyer's decision easier, it makes it more complex.

For an agent, far fewer days are spent driving clients from property to property giving them an overview of the market fielding such questions as: What's the right asking price? How do you compare X and Y houses? What's the potential of this neighbourhood? No longer do agents play the role of chauffeur on house tours that sound something like: "And here's the bathroom. And this is the kitchen. Nice kitchen, isn't it?" Today, Mr. Parlee says, the Internet provides much of the basic research, and the result is an informed client and a better working relationship. The smart agent gets recognized for his expertise, not his ability to schmooze. This is a good thing.

Of course, the emergence of the Internet makes good home photographs essential. The couple agrees that using a professional photographer is a sound investment. But it's also important to know that just because you pay for 20 photographs doesn't mean you should use all of them. Someone doesn't actually buy a home because of the photographs (if they do, they're daft), but, rather, chooses to consider it.

Amateurs believe advertising closes the sale. It doesn't. Advertising piques a potential buyer's interest in learning more, visiting, speaking with a sales rep, visiting the property and so on. It's the tease. In other words, pick the best five photos, don't use all 20, and get prospective buyers intrigued so they want to come and check it out. And if your home is stuffed with junk, don't blame the photographer when it doesn't look great in photographs. Don't delude yourself that good lighting or the right angle hides slovenly housekeeping or inadequate maintenance. Buyers expect that what they see is the best possible view of a home.

Apparently, the virtual home tour is on the wane. It's simply too much information. It's good for voyeurs and burglars who want to case a joint. If your best five pictures don't entice someone to visit, a virtual tour isn't going to convince them. Skip it. On second thought, do a virtual tour because, otherwise, I'll lose one of my best sources of amusement. I'm addicted to virtually visiting the most expensive homes on the market. Park Avenue apartments are my favourites -- and, of course, I'm not planning a move there any time soon.

Ms. Parlee tells me I can arrange to have listings that meet my criteria delivered daily to my computer. She and her clients simultaneously receive presorted listings. This includes new listings and any price changes to current ones. This doesn't take her out of the loop but gives her ongoing contact with clients as she helps evaluate options with them.

Disadvantages of the Web? Some nice places don't photograph well, even when

they're tidy and stylish, or their potential cannot be evaluated accurately through photographs. If that's the case, show a pic of a sunset from your balcony instead.

Like many things virtual, the biggest disadvantage of the Net is that you think you've experienced something when you really haven't. There's nothing like having visited 30 houses before you buy one. You truly know what you're getting, relatively speaking.

People who rely on the Web to buy a house need an agent more than ever. At least the agent has been to a lot of real houses and learned about communities by walking their streets. Most important, an agent likely knows something the Web can't teach: the truth about human nature and money. Most Web shopping isn't too emotional but, if there is one thing buying or selling a home is, it's that. Surf the Net but don't forget to bring a good agent along.

(Source: National Post)