In the past, house hunting was often a stressful and time-consuming process, involving scouring newspaper listings, driving around neighborhoods to spot for-sale signs, and setting aside time for in-person showings. However, with the advent of online resources, much of this initial legwork can now be done virtually. A significant portion of buyers – nearly half – kick off their search on the internet. Yet, despite the convenience, there are drawbacks and potential pitfalls to online house hunting. So, let’s explore what you can and cannot ascertain when searching for homes online in Effingham County and Savannah.
Advantages of Searching for Homes Online
With the explosion of online real estate listings in the last few years, the way we search for homes has been radically altered. Now, with just a few clicks, you can, according to U.S. News, “find the sales price of the home next door, search for listings in a given school zone, and take virtual tours of homes you’re interested in.” So there are indeed several advantages to searching for homes online in Effingham County and Savannah, especially concerning convenience, time savings, and what you can easily determine without wasting gas, for example:
Less Disappointment
In the past, searching for a new home often led to disappointment for many buyers. They would invest time reading ads, driving around neighborhoods, only to find that the homes they toured didn’t match their expectations. However, online searching has transformed this experience by providing access to high-quality listing photos. This allows buyers to gain a clearer picture of a property before scheduling a physical visit, significantly reducing the likelihood of disappointment. A substantial majority of buyers who conducted online searches found listing photos (87%) and detailed property information (84%) to be extremely helpful in their decision-making process.
Wider Scope
Searching for homes online offers the advantage of easy access to a multitude of listings. This allows you to efficiently review numerous properties along with their accompanying photos. By doing so, you can quickly discern which listings align with your specific criteria and preferences, streamlining your search process.
Immediate Pricing Data
In addition to the readily available asking price prominently displayed in online listings, you’ll also have access to a wealth of other relevant pricing information when searching for homes online in Effingham County and Savannah. This includes data on recent comparable sales in the area, allowing you to more accurately gauge the value of the property and make informed decisions about your offer. By conducting simple appraisal research using online listings and comparing them to similar homes nearby, you can gain valuable insights into the property’s market value.
No Middleman
While a real estate agent can undoubtedly serve as a valuable asset and advocate during your home search, involving them also entails additional effort, time, and inconvenience. However, when you opt to search for homes online independently, you eliminate the intermediary and bypass the communication challenges typically associated with the process. By dealing directly with the listings, you have more control and autonomy over your search, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in your home-hunting endeavors.
Disadvantages and What You Cannot Determine When Searching Online
Online real estate listings are still largely unregulated, so pretty much anything goes. The following are a few of the reasons why you can’t always determine your dream home using online sources:
Already Sold
Online listings aren’t always meticulously maintained, which can lead to instances where a property appears available when it’s already sold. Agents may overlook removing listings promptly, or rogue websites might display outdated information. Consequently, despite investing time in searching, evaluating, and comparing properties, you could discover that the house you’re interested in has already been sold. This underscores the importance of verifying the status of listings and staying vigilant throughout the home search process.
Not Even for Sale
Occasionally, it happens when you’re searching for homes online in Effingham County and Savannah that the property you’re considering isn’t even for sale. There are shady link farms out there that aggregate sold listings simply to generate more traffic.
Not a Good Fit
You also can’t determine, when searching for homes online, whether the home is a good fit and meets all your criteria, especially concerning transaction needs. If, for example, you need to close within 30 days, a short sale wouldn’t be for you, and the listing may not indicate the short sale status.
Incorrect Description
With no governing body policing online listings, they may not be all that accurate. Usually, an incorrect description is due simply to human error, but sometimes it is the result of a direct effort to mislead. So that two-bath home that caught your eye may have only one bath or may even be in a different city than advertised.
Searching for homes online offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations. While you can gather a wealth of information digitally, there are many aspects you simply can’t assess accurately without professional guidance. That’s where a skilled agent becomes indispensable. Their expertise can help you navigate the nuances of the market, steer clear of potential pitfalls, and ultimately ensure you make informed decisions, saving you time, disappointment, and costly mistakes.
For some expert guidance in searching for homes online in Effingham County and Savannah, just contact me today! (912) 695-6932
