Buyers say the Internet provides a greater sense of control, particularly as real estate web sites become more user friendly.

This statement reflects the results of many consumer surveys. What is it telling us?

The first thing it says is that clients want to be more in control of the home buying process. It says the Internet gives them MORE of a sense of control than the old method before the Internet.

What does that tell us? It tells us that if we don’t believe that having a significant web presence is important to our future business, then we’re a) really stupid, b) out of touch with reality (insane), or c) deeply involved in our own colonoscopy.

The second thing it tells us is that being consumer friendly is a good thing. The easier it is for consumers to navigate our sites to find the information they want, the more we will differentiate ourselves from all the yahoos that want to stay in control (read – don’t want to change).

That’s the way I see it. Okay, you got me there. It’s only my opinion. Oops, I guess it’s not – it seems to be the consumer’s opinion, I just agree with it – them.