A new type of home buyer has arrived in Canada!! Who is this consumer? Probably you because you happen to be reading this article online! My point is that consumers are getting smarter with the use of the internet as an information tool that gives their shopping experience a new vantage point. Home buying is the biggest and one of the most researched investments that consumers are making in their lifetimes. The volatility of the last few years in real estate has made everyone consider doing their homework before purchasing. With market information readily available and advancements in smart phone applications such as Mortgage Calculators, MLS listings, and New Builder Info, consumers have insight at their finger tips. Facebook, twitter feeds, and blogs have also found their way to feed potential buyers with important information.
Most new home buyers are experienced enough with the internet that their buying behaviour is almost pre determined by what’s buzzing online. It’s more common now than ever that builders are showcasing their products online with starting prices, specifications, and hot deals. These tiny bits of information that are placed on various social media platforms help to draw in curiosity and allow for quick insights. You can pick your lot and build your home online!
Will face to face transactions disappear?
The answer is No. With home purchasing being such a personally involved purchase, the physicality of the process will not entirely drive sales online. Well not now at least. There is no virtual tour that is beneficial to the human eye more so than going in and seeing the actual product. I mean think about it you’re going to be living in your home physically not virtually.
We have all heard of homes being bid and sold on EBay, and it’s very possible that it works. I mean the process is all in place. But there is no confidence in the online market to have a sustainable E Commerce playground for Real Estate. I personally would not bid on a property anticipating the best then realising there is no washroom; only an outhouse.
Final words
First time home buyers and experienced buyers use the internet; find out all you need to know. And when your curiosity builds go and check out the many Show Home Parades in Edmonton. Be on point, scan codes will give you insights on specs and deals in many of the new home advertisements. It’s an easy, quick, and paperless way of getting information in your hands. Keep a mortgage calculator open when you come into a show home, do your own math see if you’re in the right product. If you’re not ask the sales associate for information for your budgeted range. Remember the internet will give you an endless trail of information, but piece of mind and confidence is built in person.
