So, I just decided to sit back and watch all of the comments regarding 60 Minutes yesterday since the whole 
thing was just wearing me out. After a while I thought to myself, E-Real Estate. Why Not.
However, I wanted to put that into perspective today. Just WHAT EXACTLY do we do, and can it be done online.
NO, I don't think so.
I am going to share one of my files that I have right now as an example.
The Story-My clients are/were searching for a retirement home. As I've mentioned before Houston is a HUGE area. I have shown them, well, I lost count but I've been with them since last summer.
My Incomplete File-How large of a Hard Drive would I need to hold all of this? Oh, and how much would this cost in fax and printer ink, paper, file folders?
- Over 400 pages of copies including Offers, Disclosures, Title Commitment, MLS Listings, Deed Restrictions, Inspections, Surveys, etc.
- Over 100 Emails. Countless! I have them spread over 3 Email accounts just to hold all of them and this doesn't include Listing Emails.
- Closing Documents and HUD Statements because they have bought
- Listing Papers because their current home is now listed including Floorplans, List of Upgrades, MLS Information
- Photos-over 100 by now and still more to come
Did They Need a Realtor-The short answer YES! They continued with me because of my knowledge for the area and knowledge on contracts, negotiating, etc. People still need the personal touch.
The Time I Used-Countless but here are some things we all do.
- Trips on Holidays and Weekends over 100 miles to show property
- Trips to the Title Company because something is not going right
- Trips to the Title Company Attorney because it got worst
- Trips to the Lender because they lost their mind
- Trips to open the door for an inspector or appraiser
- Trips to open the door for contractors to get bids on Repairs
- Cell Phone Usage?
- Negotiating, and again, and again
- Putting together Advertisements
- Placing Listings Online
- Yes, this file is incomplete as I have their home listed
Well, I can not imagine leaving my clients LOST in Cyberspace. I, in my heart, do not believe that this transaction could have been done online.
I know that I have left out a lot of my work in this list. But you know what?
I LOVED getting out on Holidays and Weekends to show my clients property even if I have lost count.
I LOVED having to visit with attorneys about issues.
I LOVE every time I look at my file that is nearly too heavy for me to carry!
Why? Why do I enjoy what could be perceived as a Negative if it were allowed?
Two Words.
My Clients! My clients are now Happy and have their Dream Retirement Home!
What do you think? Could this have been done Online?
No way can the majority of this be done online...granted; our business has been geared to emailing, MLS searches and setting up for client's, research etc...BUT...that's a big but....to discount the face to face interaction ....I say no. How do I know what kind of person I am dealing with as well if I never meet them. For me it is more than just a business transaction. This is personal and not a factory line item.
Thank you Jacob!
Hey Sally, I agree. I am officially not concerned about E-Realtors or whatever. People still need the personal touch even though there is a ton of information on the internet.
Thanks Lisa!
I think online real estate will suffer some of the same perils as online lending.
I think an important point for consumers to consider is keeping money in the community, instead of off into cyberspace.
I have heard that it is very frustrating dealing with vendors in other states - problems that arise in your community can be much more easily dealt with than having to deal with someone long distance.
Deborah comments about keeping some of the REALTOR earnings in the community. I had never thought of that aspect in the discussion. The Post was great and the comments as well.