Straight from the agent: Our real estate roundtable for 2014

Do you think the Internet has helped or hurt real estate agents?

Bagshaw: It has helped give us an increase in exposure.

Moore: Statistics indicate that customers search online for real estate for an average of 18 months before physically coming out to look for a home. By researching online, they can get a better idea of what different locales have to offer, what they can purchase in their price range and track what is available and what has sold. I can recall before the advent of the Internet working from index cards with customer info, carrying around a thick notebook of listings, and having to go into the office at odd hours to go through files which are now available online.

Thomas: The internet has saved lots of time because buyers get addresses and maps, photos, etc. They can drive by and eliminate a location that they don’t want. They can cull through the pictures and the text descriptions and have a better idea of what they do and don’t want.  he buyers and sellers are more educated but they have so much information that they need realtors to help them sort it out and get a better understanding of the market and the area where they want to buy.

Cibulski: It has helped us, too. We are able to execute and deliver relevant information in a much more timely fashion from the palm of our hand. It is no longer necessary to be behind your desk in the office.