The internet as the wild west? That is the description that was applied to our domain here on the web. In fact, it has been applied to blogs specifically, but I think that it might be more aptly asserted as a title to some online forums on a host of topics (including real estate).
My wife has been switched over to work in the intensive care unit in her hospital. This evening, she sits on the couch across from my desk, reading about some complications which may occur to her patients, asking me about some of the English words that are giving her a problem. I am clearing off my desk, trying to catch up on my reading, when I come across an article that deals with the growing space on the web where you can find information about an illness. Much of this data has been provided by patients. I know that when my wife's cousin received her diagnosis of cancer, she was helped immensely by my mother, a cancer survivor, coming to talk to her. However, much of the information provided in this format does not really give a new patient all of what he really needs to know. And this is a concern.
In a way, I have seen the same problem on the Zillow and Trulia sites. On one occasion, I answered a question in a Zillow forum about home inspections. This is my job, which in Texas requires over four hundred hours of education, so I thought of myself as qualified. I faced strong opposition to my answer though, because it went against a perception that many people have. The perception: that older homes do not need to meet the same safety requirements that newer homes do. Here in Texas, I am required to report on several safety issues that were not in force even twenty years ago. Many of these items are minor in the sense that a two dollar part could repair the situation. For example, an anti-siphon device on an exterior hose bib is needed, but most older homes do not have one. The argument presented to me was that if it has been safe so far, it will always be safe. I angered several people by mentioning that I would have to place such an item in my report. Their claim was that I was just being mean to the seller. Although I tried, I was unable to dissuade them from their opinion, so I bowed out of the conversation.
Even though I was not successful, I still see a use for these sites. Experience of a situation is useful to the homeowner, just as my mother's talk was useful to my cousin. These stories are valuable, and they should not be underestimated. In that regard, these forums play a vital role for our professional community on the internet. We know that new buyers are going to the web for information, and these sites are main providers. I imagine that we need to become more involved in such sites to help develop the understanding that our clients need; however, Active Rain provides that in a better form from the side of professionals, but maybe allowing home buyers and sellers to relate their experiences here may be a good resource to add.
The other aspect that sites like Trulia and Zillow will not handle well (or any other site which relies on consumer information) are new developments in our field. This September will see the enforcement of a new regulation in Texas that rural properties will have to be inspected when being sold. The reason for this rule is simple: it is to counter another misperception that many homeowners have about building in areas that are not part of a municipality with building codes. You see, every state in our union has a set of building codes that apply to all homes, unless a city has its own rules. Even within city limits, homeowners do not adhere to building requirements, but we have a means for eventually dealing with such structures. When will consumers realize that this new regulation is in place? Sites like Trulia and Zillow would not report on it until consumers have experienced this situation enough. Whereas real estate professionals would already be well informed.
In the end, we have to take the consumer experience as important to the understanding of other consumers, but we also have to ensure that the consumers are hearing our own voices. I like the question section here on the Rain; however, a more Zillow like forum may make this site better for the consumer.
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