To say that the internet has changed the way buyers look for homes is an understatement. Visit nearly any Realtor's website in the Roanoke Valley -- or any market -- and you'll find not only their own listings, but the entire market's inventory of listings just waiting to be searched.

So it was no surprise when the National Association of Realtors reported in its 2016 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends study that searching online for homes increased among all age groups in 2015. In fact, for every age group except homebuyers aged 70-90, looking at online listings is the first step they took in the homebuying process. And 65 percent of all buyers walked through at least one home as a result of searching online.

So what does this tell buyers and sellers? For buyers, the best sources of information about homes listed in your area are your Realtor and his or her website. For sellers, a high-quality online listing and an energetic agent are a winning combination that covers the vast majority of potential buyers. 
Check out other highlights of the report:

Whether you're buying or selling, I'm ready to help you make a good deal. Contact me anytime at (540) 793-0442 or rpayne@mkbrealtors.com. Take a look at my listings here and like my page on Facebook.