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Things you Should NEVER buyer on the Internet

By
Real Estate Agent with The Carolina Crew, Inc. 246097

The Internet has arrived so we no longer need real estate agents. True or False? Well naturally I would take the position of false, after all I am a real estate agent helping people interpret Winston Salem property values. However, allow me to support my position.

The Internet is probably the most powerful tool a real estate professional can yield. However, in my opinion it can never replace the expertise of a local, professional, real estate broker. Online shopping is a huge business and companies all over the world are turning great profits from their online marketplace. What not to buy online

While the convenience of shopping from your living room is unparalleled, I must caution you about buying some items on the Internet. Here is my list of top five things to NEVER purchase online:

5) Pets. Never buy a pet online! You need to bond with an animal before you take them home. In fact, don't buy pets at all, there are tons of free ones being given away every day from shelters all over.

4) Clothes. You really need to try stuff on before you buy it! Even if you know the right size, different brands fit differently.

3) Last minute Gifts.  They usually will not arrive on time and if it is your spouse, late is as good as forgetting.

2) Property Valuation. Yeah this one is actually about real estate. Why pay for an online home valuation from someone who has never seen your home or the condition it is in, updates, or even the neighborhood? As you can imagine these automated values are often far from accurate. There are plenty of local real estate agents to help you. We are everywhere! Contact me if you need help determining Winston Salem property values, I do them for free all the time! If you insist on paying someone, hire a licensed appraiser.

1) Real Property. As I mentioned before, the Internet is a great tool for marketing homes. However, when buying any real estate it is best to have seen it in person. Likewise, conduct relevant inspections, surveys, and have proper council in the buying and closing processes.

There are brave real estate dare devils who will actually buy property online without ever seeing it. They are usually professional investors, or have a trusted representative in their stead.

These are just a few of my own personal thoughts about real estate, Winston Salem property values, and the Internet. What are some of the other items you can think of that should never be purchased online?

Comments (4)

Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Stephen, couldn't agree more, especially about real estate.  We can make things look pretty in pictures, but one really needs to see it in person.

Jul 16, 2011 02:23 PM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Stephan - interesting perspective ..... I have clients who have purchased their home based on the Internet presentation and a relationship we established with out ever meeting each other or showing/seeing the property.

Here are a few examples of using the Internet to it's fullest.

Potential buyer calls and arranges to view a high end Home I had listed after viewing the presentation on the Internet. his comment "If it looks as good as it does in the Internet presentation I'll buy it" and he did

Potential buyer calls from out of town to buy a home as he is being transferred to our area. After sending him information, pictures and other information on homes we discussed, and that were viewed by his sister in law, he made and we negotiated an acceptable conditional offer on a home that he then came and viewed prior to removing the conditions.

Potential buyer calls from out of the country to buy a home as he is returning to Canada ..... after viewing several on line and several overseas calls discussing the various properties a choice was made the offer written presented and accepted. The entire transaction was completed over the Internet we never met face to face in person and he never saw the property in person until he was moving in.

Jul 16, 2011 03:16 PM
Mike Mayer
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA

Actually "REAL" property cannot be purchased online, per se. You cannot simply call a contact number (listing agent or office), provide acredit card number, and "receive" the home via mail or expressed delivery. Gifts, clothes (spelled with an "e" btw) are a different matter entirely.

Jul 16, 2011 03:54 PM
Carolina Crew Realty Keller Williams Winston Salem
The Carolina Crew, Inc. - Winston-Salem, NC
Residential | Commercial | Prop Mangement

Thanks for the comments everyone!G

Gabe makes a good point about photos not always being accurate representations of what you are buying.

Kathy it sounds like you have a great Internet marketing plan. I too have sold homes in a similar fashion. However, I do always recommend to buyers that when possible it is best to put their eyes on what they are buying before signing. Some people just know what they want, and are OK to buy sight unseen.

Mike, thanks for the response. However, in my state real estate CAN actually be bought online. In fact you can provide a wire to your attorney, sign the closing state electronically (or provide a temp POA for the attorney to sign), and "receive" the deed in the mail. While I agree gifts and clothes (thank you), are not in the same category as real estate, it is my OPINION that none of these items should be bought online without a hands on inspection.

 

Jul 17, 2011 12:57 AM