The Millennial Home Buyer: How Technology Can Save Time And Help You Succeed
For those who make up the most active segment of the home-buying public - the Millennials - life is hectic. Nearly two-thirds are married, and most are busy building both careers and families while trying to pay off student loans and build financial wealth and security. Even though looking at homes for sale is high on the list of priorities, finding the time to shop for one can seem nearly impossible. Fortunately, there excellent ways in which technology can help simplify the process.
Use technology to sort home listings
Wasting time looking at dozens of homes in order to find the right one is something most Millennials want to avoid. Since most members of this population segment are very comfortable with technology, it makes sense to use it to make the home search and selection process much simpler.
Apps for tablets and smartphones are available from most of the major real estate sites, usually at no costs. These make it possible for home buyers to set parameters and receive convenient, customized lists and information about homes that fit their profiles. Users can choose how often to receive the lists and, upon receipt, read detailed information about each home, view interior and exterior photos, and see other data that will help them determine whether or not they will want to view it in person.
Use technology to stay updated on the market
For those who prefer to view listings on their computer, instead, most real estate sites and agents also provide customized search features that will automatically send a daily or periodic email to the buyers. This service is a great way to be instantly notified of new listings, price reductions, and status changes for listings, such as when a listing goes under contract, sells, or expires.
Use technology to preview homes
After a busy week with work and family duties, the last thing many Millennials want to do on the weekend is get dressed and spend hours going from listing to listing to see them. While the physical inspection of homes is critical to the buying process, using technology such as three dimensional home tours and drone footage to view each house and get an idea of the area in which they are located can be done from the couch while relaxing with the family.
Use technology to stay in touch with a pro
Another excellent use of technology that can help Millennials streamline the search for a home is to authorize their real estate professional to use text or email to stay in touch, instead of checking voice mail or playing phone tag. Saving time when buying a home can help simplify the process and ensure the most successful home buying experience.