No one can replace the high touch of a real person.  And, getting to good is not good enough.  Take the Zillow and put it somewhere else with that commercial they have now.  Can they negotiate? No.  Do they know all the state laws?  No.  Do they know the market?  Certainly not, if the past is any indicator.

As they say "Use the computer but don't let the computer use you". 

I guess I need a point of clarification, when you talk about national boards what are you referring to besides NAR? Maybe I am not understanding how you are using boards. I do agree about real estate being local.

Jeff, there ain't nothing like the real thing ... and that us those of us who live and breathe local real estate.  Using anything else is the equivalent to a blow up doll.  Yep, I said that ... didn't I?  Congrats on the Feature.

Years ago I recall a good friend of mine joking stating "I know it is true, I saw it in the Inquiror". Today I say the same thing..."I know it is true, I saw it on the Internet"!

Jeff - Yes, so true.  Many don't realize that they are losing out by not having a buyer's agent.  This may be one reason that there are some dissatisfied customers.  - Debbie

The information of some of the big real estate sites are only as accurate as the agents and brokers that update them.  And you are right, there is no replacement for a great agent that has your best interests at heart.  We are not all the same.  Thank you for the post.

Jeff, we discussed this very topic this morning at our office meeting.  Many of us have had discussions with clients and have found it difficult to get them to understand how important it is to look at our local webiste rather than sites like Zillow.  Our information feeds directly from our MLS, whereas so much of the data found on sites likes Zillow are outdated.  We have to be on our game so clients will understand the value of our expertise.

Good post, Jeff... My theory is the more real estate is on the web the better. And, the more savvy the buyers and sellers become online the better. All the more need for that smart techie professional local expert real estate broker! It's a fools game to think great agents at the top of their game who understand the environment they work in will ever be replaced. Those that understand the new context will thrive and succeed! 

Jeff, you are right, there are many things that people can find out for themselves and it basically boils down to data.  But then there is the local information that is much harder to get to and of course the assistance we as Realtors provide in preparing offers, negotiating contracts, and navigating through the transaction.

It is so unfortunate that NAR has not done a better job of getting this message out to the public.  The new Zillow ad doesn't include an agent in the entire process!  This trend is troubling for sure.

Jeff, This is very true; I hope consumers read it and heed it.

There always will be lots of great information on-line, but the education by an experienced Realtor will achieve the goals of both buyers and sellers.

Jeff, The agent has a special purpose. We calm nerves, answer questions all times of day or night, head off problems, serve as intermediaries and are licensed to sell real estate. A computer or website can't do what we do.

Jeff, I have seen some buyers trusting the listing agent - and not the buyer's agent just because they'll get the deal! (And yes, I have seen few successes!)

Jeff, whereas being up-to-date with technology is important, what make our industry important and relevant is the human touch.

Agents will be needed since most, if not all, of the homes consumers find on Zillow are not for sale. 

Good morning Jeff. Well deserved feature my friend. I want to use technology to it's fullest, but never stop building the referral side of my business.

If you are getting your needs met, push 1 now. For all other needs..push 2 now

I still beleive Real Estate is local.  The only way to win is with butts on the ground.  

Jeff

Your points are right on target . . . .  the real estate business remains local with local real estate professionals leading the way.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

I love Richie's response in #24.  I agree that this is a PEOPLE business first!  Always has been and always will be.

An MLS is a great place to start when looking for a home or selling one. But an appraised value needs to be arrived at by a professional. Not Zillow. Not realtor comps. There are too many variables that need to be addressed that make each transaction unique and successful.

Fantastic blog post today, thanks for contributing to the Active Rain community, look forward to the next one!

My last three transactions have been very complicated.  Good luck with a buyer who thinks they know it all.  Best of luck to them!

Jeff Fritzson: Frisco Real Estate Pro  I see it every day when clients find me on the internet.  Most of my clients are referred to me by their Realtor.  For those that don't have a Realtor, I always press upon them that working with a top local Realtor will save them time and money because they not only know what is available to buy they know the best contractors and vendors to help make the process easier, more affordable and less stressful.

Jeff,

You state "We inherit every sin every other agent or sales person has committed"

That is so true.  I was brought up as the boy, the son, and yes, all the faults are mine and my responsibility.  I need to rememeber your line every so often so I can lay down the guilt which I've so easily accepted. 

Yes...great post also.

Jeff this is so true! I completely agree with everything you said! We definitely inherit all the sins other agents have committed! Sometimes it gets difficult to work with someone who has been wronged, because of their trust issues! 

I think that there will always be agents selling Real Estate. The internet gives the preview but local knowledge is always best.