2 out of 3 People Search for Agents Online – What Are They Finding?
Recent Google data clearly shows that real estate search terms are being used more today since their highest point back in 2008. This means that often the first impression you make on potential clients will be based off of your online presence.
According to research, 2 in 3 homebuyers search for their agents online “extensively.” Since buying a home is one of the biggest life events people will experience, they want to be certain that they work with a true expert.
Perhaps one reason for this dramatic increase in online searching is due to the fact that more and more people ages 18 to 34 have indicated intentions to purchase a home in the next year. In fact, they are twice as likely to make this purchase than those in the 35 to 54-year age range. This means a more technically savvy group is doing what they do best – using the Internet to find answers.
What’s more, an increasing number of people are now using mobile devices to search real estate terms than ever before. This percentage has jumped up 19% from just one year ago. This means that if you do not have a mobile responsive website, you probably are losing a lot of potential clients.
Mobile devices are helping people to search for listings while driving in an area, find directions, gather information about listings, watch virtual tours, and ultimately message, email, or call agents. If your website isn’t mobile responsive, people are less likely to contact you. Other key points to know include the following:
– Mobile searches for open houses has risen 36% in the past year.
– 1 out of 5 mobile users used their mobile device to watch real estate videos.
– ¼ of Google searches regarding mortgages were on mobile devices.
– ½ of these mortgage searches were looking for a mortgage calculator.
What does this all mean? You absolutely MUST have a mobile responsive website that includes all of these items. Make your website a one-stop-shop. If you don’t, you will lose out to other agents who are keeping up with the times. Those who truly want to be a top-producing real estate agent already have these things.
If you happen to be one of those people who are not set up with the tools necessary to stay relevant in today’s real estate world, then do not hesitate to reach out to us here at Social NetworX Inc. We have the tools, resources, and knowledge to get you back on track in a very short period of time. Call us today at (909) 786-2107.
