When it comes to looking for a new place to live more people are turning to online resources to find what they are looking for. In August, 2006 51 percent of all Internet users had taken a virtual tour of real estate property according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
In November of 2004 the percentage of people looking online for real estate was 34 percent. In the year 2000 the percentage was 27. This marks a 24 percent increase since 2000.
Age is a factor when it comes to searching online for a place to live more than Internet connection speed or the numbers of year’s users have been online. Over half of Internet users ages 18 to 29 have looked for a place to live online. 43 percent of users ages 30 to 49 have looked online for a home while 27 percent of users ages 50 to 64 have done the same.
Income is not a significant factor when it comes to searching for a home online according to Pew. 43% of people who make less than $30,000 a year looked for real estate online, 42% of earners who make between $30,000 and $49,000 a year and 45% of those who make more than $75,000 a year.
Data from the National Association of Realtors seems to be in line with the Pew findings. The NAR reported that 77 percent of homebuyers had used the Internet in their search for a home in 2005.
There are a pool of resources available online for potential homebuyers or anyone looking for a new place to live. Multiple Listing Services, searchable housing databases and housing information on blogs to name a few.
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Mike is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
