Last week I took a mandatory continuing education class. The instructor said something that I used to hear all the time. He was gloating over the fact that even though Minnesota consumers now have access to information about homes that were sold in the last two years, they do not have all of the information about the homes that Realtors have.

Our multiple listing service now provides listings of sold homes, and consumers can search for them on our Web sites using the same search that they use to find homes for sale. They can now see how much the home down the street sold for.

The instructor, who is also an agent, sees the Internet as a threat to our industry. He sees himself as the source of information for his clients and believes that if they can get it on the Internet they don’t need him. He is right: Consumers no longer need to go to him just so they can find out what a home looks like, what the price is, or other important details.

He is missing out if he thinks his only role is to dole out information. The Internet has made my job better. Most of my clients find me through the Internet, which reduces my costs from the days when I had to find them. They are savvy homes buyers and sellers who have educated themselves on the basics before they contact me. They know what they want and where to find it.

Some of my clients pick out the home they wish to buy and give me a call. That doesn’t mean that I never show them homes. In most cases they want to do their own home search and then they tell me what they would like to see or even buy. When they need my help searching I am there for them.

So why do these buyers come to me when they have the information they need on the Internet, complete with pictures and the name of the listing agent? They use my services because of the experience I have gained through numerous real estate transactions. They can go it alone but they don’t want to. They want to work with someone they know and trust.

What’s your opinion? Leave your comments below or send a letter to the editor. To contact the writer, click the byline at the top of the story.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×