Hand-held House Hunting vs Agent Expertise

Technology is changing daily and consumers have more information at their fingertips than ever before. There are apps for every imaginable real estate search, creating hyper-informed buyers and sellers. MSN gets it – they recently published an article called ‘Real Estate Geeks Out.’

The online resources abound and serve as incredible information sources for buyers/sellers: guided online video tours, QR codes, single-listing websites, social media feedback, and real time news feeds – all devoted to condos for sale in Boston. Follow me on Twitter for Boston real estate updates --

[caption id="attachment_206" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Follow me @LiliBanani"][/caption]

These information resources are really great tools, especially for first time buyers to educate themselves on the purchasing process and to narrow the many house-hunting options. However, these tools are just that – tools that help support your search, and ultimately, you will need the expertise of an experienced real estate agent. Buyers and sellers benefit from working with a knowledgeable agent who is familiar with the property history and understands the Boston luxury real estate market.

The majority of real estate apps gives pretty basic information, but could potentially save consumers time and sweat – both valuable commodities! But, if you’re looking for more detail and a well-rounded perspective, I highly recommend touching base with an agent who will work with you to negotiate a fair deal.

I encourage my clients to be as informed as possible, and it’s as easy as it has ever been to do the necessary groundwork – considering popular real estate sites, including: Zillow, Realtor.com and Trulia. Familiarize yourself with the Boston luxury real estate market and narrow your options before speaking to an agent that will guide you through the purchase process.

Scouting Boston neighborhoods beforehand and the local condos for sale can save you a good deal of time overall. Utilize the apps as a tool and start searching in the areas you’d like to live. Check out Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, Midtown or another Boston neighborhood you’re drawn to.

What sites/apps have you found helpful in your Boston condo search?