The other day I was asked what do real estate agents do besides post information about a house in the Multiple Listing Service. My first instinct was to defend myself and say that there was a whole lot more that we do. Next I realized that most of the homebuyers and home sellers have this opinion of real estate agents and think websites like Zillow and Trulia are taking over our jobs. This could not be farther from the truth.

The creation of websites like Zillow and Trulia do frustrate me not because I am worried that they will replace me. Zillow and Trulia do not do nearly what I do everyday. Zillow and Trulia provide incorrect information and make the homebuyers and home sellers think that all they need to do is post their home information online.

What about holding open houses, visiting networking groups, contacting inspectors and appraisers? What about setting up home repairs and being there to let the contractors in? What about setting home insurance and checking in with the bank? What about making sure the homebuyer knows about the faulty septic system or well? Who knows about important that leak in the roof is? Why is the floor buckling? How important is it to move that oil tank? Did the seller disclose all of the latent defects? What is a latent defect? Where to find a reputable real estate attorney? Who offers title insurance? Why do you need title insurance?

You get my point. Once a contract is ratified, real estate agents don’t sit around and wait for their paycheck. We do the things you don’t have time to do while you are at work or taking care of your personal life.

Zillow and Trulia do not give you the names and numbers of good lawyers and home inspectors. They do not even give your home the right value!

If you’d like to experience the services I provide, please contact me today. As always, “I am never too busy for your referrals!”