10 years ago, a man of great influence within the Real Estate community (who will remain nameless) said in his infinite wisdom, "No one is ever going to buy a house online."
To quote another man of influence, "Of course the world is flat - if it wasn't we would all fall off."
To dispute these beliefs, my boss, the great Jedi himself - Master Paul, sent an article to me yesterday. Check out some of these stats:
-92% of Internet buyers found their agent on a web site; 63% found them through an Internet search engine; 0% of Internet buyers found their agent through brochures, flyers, yard signs or mailers to their home.
-In 2000, 28% of people said that they used the Internet as an important part of their home-buying and selection process. In 2006, 70% said they did.
-86% of home buyers started using the Internet as part of their process BEFORE they started looking for a specific home - the other 14% did after they started looking, but BEFORE they contacted a real estate agent; that means that 100% of buyers surveyed started looking at homes first, agents second. When you combine that finding with the already existing one that fully 81% of Internet buyers stay with the first real estate agent they choose to contact.
-Internet buyers spent an average of 4.8 weeks doing research before contacting an agent; traditional buyers only 1.7 weeks. That means an Internet buyer is better prepared and twice+ as less likely to ready and willing to buy.
-Internet buyers bought a home on average after spending 2.2 weeks looking for a home with an agent; traditional buyers spent an average of 7.1 weeks.
-Internet buyers previewed an average of 6.7 homes with their agent (they had already eliminated ones they did not wish to see), traditional buyers previewed 15.4 homes.
- Only 3% of all Internet connections available at the primary computer used for the home-buying process were dial-up: Internet home buyers and searchers are not sticking with dial-up, just as they are not sticking with traditional methods.
- 69% of Internet buyers said response time was extremely important.83% of those buyers chose email as their favored communication method with their agent. 0% chose "in person". The Internet is the new "office visit.
So much for those respected Real Estate moguls who say that people will never buy houses from the internet!
***these stats were taken from the article, "The Real Estate World is Changing even Faster than You Think!"
by Michael E. Parker***
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The "Not-So Daily blog"
Yeah, so, in the words of the great Cookie Monster, "I bit off more than I could chew." Daily musings might have to be renamed weekly musings, but we will get back to you. At the moment a think tank downtown is running a focus group on the viability of a daily record - but their answer seems to be ringing a consistent tone - Darrin, you're just not that witty.
In any event, in doing some research I have discovered the mac of all Daddy Real Estate Blog sites. It's at: http://www.bloodhoundrealty.com/BloodhoundBlog/
How is that for information! Like - oh - my - gosh!
Check out the article on the 4 reasons every realtor should be using a Video Podcast. It's actually mind blowing. Really, my head is in two pieces as I write this.
You can find it at: http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=1443
Anyhoo, I'm off...
-Darrin
Oh, if you know of anyone looking it get into real estate sales, please send them my way. i would be more than happy to contact them.
In any event, in doing some research I have discovered the mac of all Daddy Real Estate Blog sites. It's at: http://www.bloodhoundrealty.com/BloodhoundBlog/
How is that for information! Like - oh - my - gosh!
Check out the article on the 4 reasons every realtor should be using a Video Podcast. It's actually mind blowing. Really, my head is in two pieces as I write this.
You can find it at: http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=1443
Anyhoo, I'm off...
-Darrin
Oh, if you know of anyone looking it get into real estate sales, please send them my way. i would be more than happy to contact them.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Mind Tricks
As the title of the blog states, this is a daily musing, and though this is a self-inflicted trauma the pressure to perform is undeniable, and to be honest, I am not sure I thought this through. How is it possible to be witty yet insightful while keeping true to our theme of Metro DC real estate? Yet, changing the title now would be showing a lack of conviction, don’t you think?
Alas, we will discover together if I am up to such a challenge.
So, here is some exciting news: Richard Urban and his minion of 6 have officially joined the office. He has moved here from Long and Foster where he consistently performed as the top-iest of top producers.
BUT, that's not why I wanted him to join this office.
Little did you know, he is a gifted botanist, and as anyone who knows me can tell you, I have a black thumb of death - having killed every plant I have ever owned (And since on my first day Hal Maxwell, the grand Pooh-Bah of Coldwell Banker, sent me a plant, I have a vested interest in making sure I keep the thing breathing! Richard has promised to be my Yoda of all things green and living, so I am encouraged that I cannot only succeed on my quest, but persevere and show all that, YES, I too, can have a plant).
On another note, we here at Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase continue to grow! We now have 15 new faces calling 5028 home. Plus we have sponsored 3 more Realtors to-be for school in our education center upstairs. And, they all want to join the office as soon as they become licensed. As the Romans say, that's just "NVTS - nuts!"
What's the secret, you ask? Why are so many successful and new agents joining our office?
The answer is simple; I have used a Jedi mind trick on all of them! or as a classic line from a classic movie states, "If you build it, they will come."
So as I conclude my second blog entry ever, I will continue my vow to keep you updated on my plant, on the drapes (see yesterday), and continue my Jedi mind trick training - because only then, will we truly be called master.
P.S. The light saber will be on display in the lobby!
Alas, we will discover together if I am up to such a challenge.
So, here is some exciting news: Richard Urban and his minion of 6 have officially joined the office. He has moved here from Long and Foster where he consistently performed as the top-iest of top producers.
BUT, that's not why I wanted him to join this office.
Little did you know, he is a gifted botanist, and as anyone who knows me can tell you, I have a black thumb of death - having killed every plant I have ever owned (And since on my first day Hal Maxwell, the grand Pooh-Bah of Coldwell Banker, sent me a plant, I have a vested interest in making sure I keep the thing breathing! Richard has promised to be my Yoda of all things green and living, so I am encouraged that I cannot only succeed on my quest, but persevere and show all that, YES, I too, can have a plant).
On another note, we here at Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase continue to grow! We now have 15 new faces calling 5028 home. Plus we have sponsored 3 more Realtors to-be for school in our education center upstairs. And, they all want to join the office as soon as they become licensed. As the Romans say, that's just "NVTS - nuts!"
What's the secret, you ask? Why are so many successful and new agents joining our office?
The answer is simple; I have used a Jedi mind trick on all of them! or as a classic line from a classic movie states, "If you build it, they will come."
So as I conclude my second blog entry ever, I will continue my vow to keep you updated on my plant, on the drapes (see yesterday), and continue my Jedi mind trick training - because only then, will we truly be called master.
P.S. The light saber will be on display in the lobby!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Way too cool
This is my first official blog and, I must tell you, I feel way too cool. Seriously, how many times can you experience the nirvana of technological rebirth. Anyway, welcome to my official musings. I'm hoping this will offer an opportunity for the curious and insightful to learn more about the really cool things going on here at the Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase office.
For instance, we have just painted the place.
You may say, "But Darrin, painting isn't a big deal. Who cares?"
And I would say, "You silly goose! Of course it's a big deal. Did Michael Angelo say, 'Paint a ceiling!? Who looks up anyhow!"
My point is it's representational. We (the euphemistic Coldwell Banker we) are committed to making this branch a place where people are energized to do their work and be productive. Without positive reinforced energy (i.e. wall color) how can you be profitable?! Before the Red Sox painted the big wall in left field green and called it the Green Monster, it was just a wall. Who ever cared about hitting a home run over a wall - BUT over the Green Monster - now that's something!
In any event, all journey's must start somewhere, and here, at 5028 Wisconsin Avenue, I started with paint.
Who knows, maybe next month, I'll put in drapes.
Ta ta from your friendly local Branch Vice President (I'm still getting a kick out of the title:)
-Darrin
Oh, by the way...If you know of anyone who is truly talented at sales and wants to explore a career in Real Estate, please let me know and I will be sure to contact them.
For instance, we have just painted the place.
You may say, "But Darrin, painting isn't a big deal. Who cares?"
And I would say, "You silly goose! Of course it's a big deal. Did Michael Angelo say, 'Paint a ceiling!? Who looks up anyhow!"
My point is it's representational. We (the euphemistic Coldwell Banker we) are committed to making this branch a place where people are energized to do their work and be productive. Without positive reinforced energy (i.e. wall color) how can you be profitable?! Before the Red Sox painted the big wall in left field green and called it the Green Monster, it was just a wall. Who ever cared about hitting a home run over a wall - BUT over the Green Monster - now that's something!
In any event, all journey's must start somewhere, and here, at 5028 Wisconsin Avenue, I started with paint.
Who knows, maybe next month, I'll put in drapes.
Ta ta from your friendly local Branch Vice President (I'm still getting a kick out of the title:)
-Darrin
Oh, by the way...If you know of anyone who is truly talented at sales and wants to explore a career in Real Estate, please let me know and I will be sure to contact them.
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