In our convenience-driven culture, we understand why so many potential homebuyers and sellers make platforms like Zillow and Redfin the first stops on their real estate journeys. There’s no commitment on the browser’s part, and they can get an idea of the market supported by data and imagery that’s easy on the eyes. But if your journey never strays from the Zillow/Redfin path, you’re likely doing yourself (and your real estate goals) a disservice. That’s because the average transaction is far too nuanced to trust to an impersonal online tool with a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s why, even in the automation age, real estate brokers remain a crucial element to the real estate experience.
Real Estate Brokers Know the Meaning of “Local”
When you visit platforms like Zillow or Redfin, you can find the square footage of a property in mere seconds. But does this communicate what it’s like to walk into that property? Or look out its window? Or walk up its street? Real estate brokers often work at the local level. And, having immersed themselves in the community, can offer insights into school rankings, commercial development in the area, traffic routes, and local culture that online platforms just can’t touch. Some real estate brokers (JohnHart being one of them) also have access to exclusive off-market listings, giving prospective buyers an unparalleled advantage in a competitive market.
A More Accurate Estimate
If you’ve been taking Zillow Zestimates as gospel, it’s time for a rude awakening. Zestimates can miss the mark… sometimes by as much as tens of thousands of dollars. It’s the price of relying so heavily on public data and algorithms. For accuracy, you need to roll up your sleeves and really dig into the nitty gritty of a home. What is its condition? Has it been renovated recently? How much does the prospective buyer want this property? And how sentimental is it to the seller? Real estate brokers take all of these factors into account when assessing a listing price or negotiating an offer. Sure, market data plays a part. But these brokers are ultimately searching for an authentic listing price… not one steeped in fantasy.
The Art of Negotiation
Speaking of negotiation, good luck convincing an online platform to use every ounce of fight they have to secure your best interests. Even straightforward transactions can involve elements of discussion, and we’re not just talking about price. Real estate brokers are instrumental in bargaining on your behalf in matters as diverse as contingencies, repairs, terms, and even deadlines. In highly competitive housing markets, even a minor misstep can jeopardize a deal. Working with a broker hedges your bets with the added security of professional insight.
Looking Alive in the Face of Deadlines
Real estate brokers are also astutely trained in the mounds of legal paperwork that will certainly accompany any transaction on this scale. But it’s not enough to complete them without mistakes. They also need to be submitted without exceeding any of the numerous deadlines set. By trusting a broker, you can rest assured that these necessities of real estate will be handled accurately and efficiently, so you won’t be surprised by any last-minute financial or legal repercussions.
Real Estate is Still a People Business
Arguably, the most valuable aspect of working with real estate brokers is the peace of mind you enjoy from relying on a real, accessible human being. When a nagging thought wakes you in the night or you have an urgent question, Zillow and Redfin aren’t just a text message away. But a responsive broker will usually have your answer in 24 hours… if not sooner. Some may even be able to reassure you immediately. Hearing that empathetic voice at the right moment will no doubt leave you rethinking the role of a faceless real estate platform in your success story.
The Difference Between Finding a Home and Keeping One
While sites like Zillow and Redfin can still be helpful in your search for a home, they haven’t replaced the pivotal role real estate brokers play in securing one. They offer the bespoke service, local insight, legal understanding, and accessibility necessary for success in today’s highly competitive real estate landscape. Thinking of buying or selling your home? Start working on your strategy with a broker – contact JohnHart today!
With a brand that says as much as JohnHart’s, Senior Copywriter Seth Styles never finds himself at a loss for words. Responsible for maintaining the voice of the company, he spends each day drafting marketing materials, blogs, bios, and agent resources that speak from the company’s collective mind and Hart… errr, heart.
Having spent over a decade in creative roles across a variety of industries, Seth brings with him vast experience in SEO practices, digital marketing, and all manner of professional writing with particular strength in blogging, content creation, and brand building. Gratitude, passion, and sincerity remain core tenets of his unwavering work ethic. The landscape of the industry changes daily, paralleling JohnHart’s efforts to {re}define real estate, but Seth works to maintain the company’s consistent message while offering both agents and clients a new echelon of service.
When not preserving the JohnHart essence in stirring copy, Seth puts his efforts into writing and illustrating an ongoing series entitled The Death of Romance. In addition, he adores spending quality time with his girlfriend and Romeo (his long-haired chihuahua mix), watching ‘70s and ‘80s horror movies, and reading (with a particular penchant for Victorian horror novels and authors Yukio Mishima and Bret Easton Ellis). He also occasionally records music as the vocalist and songwriter for his glam rock band, Peppermint Pumpkin.
