The San Benito County real estate market is vibrant right now. As of Monday, May 2, there was an inventory of homes available on the Multiple Listing Service of 125 properties. This is up 25 percent from where it was at the beginning of the year. And don’t forget there are many new homes available from the developers building tracts. So we are seeing lots of buyer options right now. Call your local agent to see what today’s real estate market has to offer in terms of opportunity.
This past week was the spring conference for the California Association of Realtors in Sacramento. Agents were able to meet with legislators and express their views and concerns over real estate issues. There was time for networking, for classes and for a great luncheon address by CAR’s CEO, Joel Singer. He spoke about the big real estate websites: Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com. These entities for years have tried to push out real estate agents. But when all is said and done, it hasn’t happened.
I remember reading years ago that computers will not replace Realtors until there is a program developed to transmit the smell of pet urine. Probably a true statement.
When it comes down to it, buyers and sellers want more assistance than a computer website can provide. Maybe someday, but for now most of us would not think about buying a home over the Internet. Not even an investment property.
After all, a home is a feeling, a series of space and light held together with walls. It is textures and colors and finishes. It exists within a neighborhood, part of a cityscape. It is intrinsically knotted with the local school district, government, congressional district, local demographics. Call your local agent to see what today’s real estate market has to offer you in terms of opportunity. improvement districts. And of course there is topography, geography, the weather.  The decision of where and what to buy can be overwhelming. Of course we want some help!
If that wasn’t enough, the process of going through a real estate transaction with all its challenges and requirements is daunting as well.
The number of people who use a computer during this process is now in the 90% range. Whether checking out homes for sale, investigating other communities, or participating in a paperless transaction computers are definitely amazing tools. But Realtors are here to stay as well. At least according to the CEO of the California Association of Realtors!
Realtors have had to become computer savvy. Agents who do the Three Ps: (plant a sign in the yard, place the property on the MLS and pray) are falling by the wayside. A whole new world of digital marketing has opened up. Make sure your agent has the expertise and tools to service you in today’s marketplace.
And remember, it’s a good life.
Nants Foley is co-owner and executive broker at Four Corners Real Estate Group in Hollister. Contact her at nantsfoley@gmail.com or 831-801-5110.
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