In today’s tech-driven world, the way we search for homes has undergone a dramatic transformation. Digital house hunting offers a convenient and accessible way to explore properties. But while realty platforms and apps can streamline the process, there are some potential pitfalls to consider.

Yes, with a world of information at your fingertips, it’s important to remember that digital house hunting¹ is just one of many tools you may incorporate into your search.

In fact, a more comprehensive approach — one that includes working alongside an experienced real estate agent with deep knowledge of your target realty market — may yield a more productive and satisfying homebuying journey.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of digital house hunting, noting where and how an agent may prove invaluable.

Pro: Accessibility

One of the first decisions to make in your home search is where you would like to live. This involves identifying the communities and neighborhoods that fit your wants and needs.

Naturally, online resources can help you evaluate everything from school rankings to park amenities. Meanwhile, governmental data may reveal other quality of life details, such as public safety and regional economic growth.

Digital tools also give buyers access to thousands of listings — and an array of filters to further narrow their choices by price, size, location and other preferences. Gone are the days of thumbing through a newspaper to find an open house! Many real estate websites² now share in-depth listing information that’s accessible 24/7/365.

Moving to a new area? An unfamiliar city can make digital house hunting feel more challenging — perhaps even a little daunting. That’s exactly where the personal touch and deep, local connections of a real estate agent remain useful. From identifying neighborhoods near work to helping you find a house painter or selecting a reputable title company, a licensed, professional realty agent can be an incredible resource.

» Tip: Relocating far away? If you intend to visit potential homes in person, narrowing your interests through an online search before your trip can help make more efficient use of your time on the ground. Even better, contact a local realty company with global connections, especially if you’re investing in a premium property.

Pro: Virtual tours and photos

High-quality photos, 3D and 360⁰ virtual tours take staged home photos to the next level, giving potential buyers a chance to see more of a property and its details. Virtual tours³ offer higher-quality photos and step-by-step views of a home. Online tours allow users to explore a property at their own pace before and after an in-person site visit.

These tours and photos can highlight key features, such as modern appliances or unique architectural touches. This virtual element of the homebuying journey can help bring property descriptions and details to life.

»Tip: Selling a home? Seek out an agent well-versed in marketing properties with the help of these same tools.

Pro: Convenience

Finding the right home used to be incredibly time and labor intensive. Today, however, the process doesn't have to compete with other parts of your life.

Thanks to digital house hunting, you can explore available properties on your laptop or phone while watching television or during your child’s soccer practice. In other words, it can help you stay productive in your search without disrupting your day-to-day life.

With the help of technology, you can also give other family members an opportunity to provide feedback and be a part of the process — without the hassle of coordinating schedules to visit homes together.

Remember, too, that a busy real estate market means you aren't the only one looking at available properties. Taking at least part of your search online saves time and could mean the difference between finding your ideal home or missing out. This is especially helpful for people who are relocating to a popular city or state.

» Tip: A well-connected real estate professional can benefit your search by identifying available properties that haven’t yet hit the market, let alone the internet. They also have access to current mortgage loan rates alongside the going rate for comparable properties (“comps”). Armed with this useful information, the right professional relationship can help you be among the first to see — and potentially make a competitive offer on — a desirable home.

Con: Inaccurate information

An internet search can provide basic information on a property. But it won't necessarily tell the complete story — especially if there are issues not immediately visible.

Fortunately, realty agents often can provide insights about a property’s true value or hidden challenges that online platforms might not reveal. Through their professional networks, an agent may also be able to get the inside scoop on how motivated a seller is, which suggests how firm the asking price is.

At the same time, some online listings may be out of date. Properties that appear available may already be sold or under contract. Key information about a listing can be missing or incorrect.

Keep in mind that photos and virtual tours can be deceptive, too. Wide-angle lenses, strategic lighting and photo editing might make spaces look larger or more appealing than they are in person. Conversely, poorly photographed properties might deter buyers from considering perfectly suitable homes.

Again, a realty agent may know where a hidden gem rests within your target market and budget. And they may be able to tell you where you might want to use caution.

Con: Risk of scams and fraud

Alas, online real estate searches can expose buyers to scams and fraud. Common realty frauds include fake property listings designed to collect personal information or upfront payments for non-existent sales. Another prevalent scam involves individuals offering properties for sale that they don’t own. Fraudsters may create convincing fake titles or documentation to deceive buyers into making payments for properties that are not legally theirs to sell.

These schemes can result in significant financial losses for unsuspecting buyers. To avoid falling victim to one of them, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, requests for wire transfers, or sellers who conduct business exclusively through emails and texts.

» Tip: Along with other homebuying and selling service providers, experienced local agents may be able to provide an extra measure of protection against real estate scams.

Con: No personal touch

There's nothing more personal for you and your family than your home. While online platforms provide basic data and images, digital house hunting can’t fully capture how an area makes you feel. Factors like noise levels, traffic and the community’s overall vibe may best be assessed in person.

Buying a home is often an emotional decision. Without physically walking through a property, it can be challenging to determine whether a house truly feels like home.

Besides, it’s hard to beat the feeling of taking that life-changing, in-person tour with an agent who understands exactly what you want from a new home and is ready to help you make an offer. You can rest easy knowing that, when you find the perfect property, your agent will be there to support you through the next steps, right through closing day.

The takeaway

Digital house hunting is a powerful tool, but it may be most effective when combined with traditional home search methods. By working with a trusted real estate agent, you can make the most of your next realty journey.

Are you considering selling or looking for your next home — either here or far away? The experienced agents at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, RBFCU’s preferred real estate partner, are here to help you move beyond your expectations toward an extraordinary real estate experience.