This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the online consumer.  Having easy access to great amounts of real estate information and having become very accustomed to researching during college or university, these consumers typically turn to the internet for information even if they’re not currently actively seeking a home.

  They often start their online research several months before they begin seriously looking at houses.  So it’s key you ask these people at what stage they’re at in their home search and give them what they want, when they want it, and in the way they want it. 

They will probably contact you by email, so reply to their requests via email.  It’s a great way of sowing seeds that will blossom into sales once these prospects start searching for a home.

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20 Comments on What is the Real Estate Online Consumer looking for?

JUN
04
392,656 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I agree that most people do stat their search long before they are actually able to buy.  It does seem the buyers have become more aware in recent years...
1:04pm • #1
137,386 Points 8 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

They definitely have. Which is why the real estate professional needs to stay up to date and target their customers where they are most active and looking. 
1:08pm • #2
624,993 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Gabrielle, so true, online buyers usually have a long lead time, very good suggestions.
2:45pm • #3
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Gabrielle,

Super summary -- very succinct! :-)

Best,

Kevin
2:49pm • #4
496,216 Points 149 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I've found that what you say is exactly how it typically happens when people are thinking of buying a home and seeking mortgage financing, Gabrielle.  They put "feelers" out there ... dip their toes into the water a bit at a time.  Periods of time can go by where you hear nothing from them.  And then "poof" they're back on the radar too.  Your advice to ask at what stage they find themselves is great ... no use in reinventing the wheel or wasting their valuable time and attention ...

Gene
3:12pm • #5
502,702 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gabrielle, I totally agree. The people that start looking online could be months or years out from actually purchasing.
4:30pm • #6
551,825 Points 146 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good advice, Gabrielle.  I love the quick and easy use of email with real estate.  It helps people stay in touch with me and me with them.  Texting is starting to have that same appeal with my clients.
5:46pm • #7
871,571 Points 47 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gabrielle, I have worked with people a year out. Email is to fast and simple. My clients and I LOVE texting! It's not for every situation, but covers a multitude of tasks. It's a new kind of farming :)

Sharon
7:12pm • #8
864,437 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gabrielle -- a quick response is key.  Most folks do start looking on the internet for many months before they contact a real estate agent.
7:19pm • #9
874,761 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love email requests. Its easy for them to ask their question, and its easy for me to answer! A fast response makes a lasting impression.
7:26pm • #10
758,657 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gabrielle, this is where consumers are searching so we better have an on-line presence or we'll soon be in extinction like the dinosaurs.
7:47pm • #11
1,348,414 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Gabrielle - I think asking the online consumer where they are in the process makes a lot of sense. It helps us to know what info. they may need.
10:38pm • #12
JUN
05
555,452 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi gabrielle,

Sometimes they come online and want to buy right away.

Sometimes they want to lurk, and will not get serious for 5 months, or 8, or 18!

Phil
3:38am • #13
299,908 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

This is so true. And usually at first they want to remain very anonymous. So if they give you their email, they are a little more into the process.
8:48am • #14
649,012 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is exactly why I set up my internet leads on a drip campaign.  Most are not even close to being ready to buy, but would rather do some online looking.  Great post.  Couldn't agree more. 
9:00am • #15
417,548 Points 14 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Thanks Gabrielle, It does save a lot of time to know upfront that they are not looking for several months or more
10:06am • #16
135,046 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Never underestimate the importance of qualifying your leads :)
11:24am • #17
836,582 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I like you and I like your post...thank you Gabrielle...
12:52pm • #18
547,229 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gabrielle:

Most people start looking at real estate sites way before they are ready to start looking in earnest.  
1:37pm • #19
441,855 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Gabrielle, The online customer is first seeking distant from contact with the agent then the information and all of it on the property. When they are ready they will contact us.
6:31pm • #20


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