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The Elements of Choice and Service

Some consider that the internet has eroded the ‘human connection’ in relation to the search-to-purchase process of a property. Most home buyers today are visiting home listings to search and compare properties based on several parameters including size, budget, location, availability, and accessibility from the comfort of their homes. In consideration of the current coronavirus it is not only prudent but extremely important.  

Various studies reveal human intervention is almost becoming outmoded in the ‘search and discovery’ stage of property purchase. For those who are tech-savvy, there is no need for human interaction in the ‘search and discovery’ phase, as there are numerous property portals ranging from brokerage websites to Zillow, RedFin and Realtor.com to name a few.

The ‘comparing’ stage, however, hasn’t entirely discarded the need for human interaction as home buyers still discuss with family, friends, and colleagues about property options they are considering buying. Digital mediums are also playing a crucial role at this stage, as many buyers are heavily relying on social media these days to ask friends opinions, gauge reactions and acquire information about the reputation of a developer, the price of a property, or the social infrastructure of a locality.

Although total digitization of property transactions, considering its specific attributes, seems implausible there is no way to deny that digital platforms are steadily curtailing the ‘face-to-face’ interactions in recent times.

Once the search and discovery phase are over, and a target property is selected, the property buyers then contact a real estate agent to finalize the purchase. At this point, the home buyer finally comes out of the virtual world for the first time, for a ‘face-to-face’ interaction with the agent or builder directly. However, if there’s any hesitation regarding the agreement or transaction process, the buyer goes back into the e-world again for more information and clarification.

Human Interaction Can Never be Fully Eliminated from the Property Purchase Process

In real estate purchase the investment is significantly high and there is a lot of paperwork involved. Human involvement in the final stages of property purchase is more or less imperative.

A property is a lifetime purchase for many, so individuals generally prefer a face-to-face discussion with a real estate broker representing their best interest. A direct interaction also boosts the confidence and comfort level of the property buyers.

Human involvement gets more and more heightened as the buyer moves closer towards the endpoint of their purchase journey. With property purchases, there are several legal, financial and regulatory issues to address.  While digitization has certainly made significant inroads into the property market and lessened the human touch, completely eliminating real people from real estate won’t be possible now or ever.

Nothing can replace the intangible benefit or importance of working in person with a local real estate agent.  Be sure you are working with a real estate agency that can provide you all the options of working in person or virtually with a knowledgeable agent who has the technology to service both.

Whatever your role is in buying or selling a home, you have choices to completely customize the experience based on your personal preferences.

Things you can do in the real estate search and transaction you can do with virtual human interaction:

  • Browse Homes
  • See Floor Plans
  • Review Title
  • Get a video walk-through performed by a live agent
  • Get approved by an on-line lender
  • Electronically sign offer paperwork
  • Securely wire EM to Escrow
  • Consult inspection report and issues over e-mail.
  • Sign Escrow documents: (May require mild interaction, though we can work to assure proper social distancing.)
  • Have the keys to your new home delivered at your front door.

 

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