RISMEDIA, March 23, 2007-The Internet has revolutionized the way the American consumer does business, and the real estate industry has not been ignored. In a report issued by the National Association of Realtors(R) (NAR) about buyers and sellers, it showed 80% of consumers use the Internet for real estate information. In addition, 22% use the Internet to market their home.
The Internet has been a driving force in changes in the way people sell their homes.
"Typical commission rates for Realtors are around five to six percent," explains Dale Rainey, president of Ulistit.com, a licensed online real estate brokerage firm that specializes in listing properties for a low flat fee.
"When you look at the fact that housing prices have risen in recent years, many people are searching for alternatives."
For many, that relief has come in the way they sell their homes. In the past, sellers would typically pay an $18,000 commission on a $300,000 sale.
Today they are using other routes through the technology of the Internet.
Sellers now are in the driver's seat of selling their home much more than in decades past.
Businesses such as Ulistit.com help the seller to easily get their home listed in the Multiple Listing Service and Realtor.com.
The NAR also reports that when it comes to the most difficult tasks of selling a home, 16% of sellers find it to be the paperwork involved.
That's a fear that will most likely diminish as people realize that it's easy to access and complete forms online.
"What people get when they use the technology available to them is easy-to-use forms and a low-cost listing service," adds Rainey. "In the end, they keep more of the money from the sale of their home. It's a win-win situation."
