Growth of technology makes it even more important to use a Realtor when buying or selling (BPT) - In one sense, technology has made real estate more accessible for both buyers and sellers. And yet, while everyone can see detailed property records on their phones or computer within seconds, not everyone can be a negotiator, price setter or resource. Home buyers and sellers can have difficulty navigating the expanse of information available, leaving many unsure how best to use this data to their respective advantage. “Technology will continue to improve and, in some cases, automate some aspects of the search and transaction,” NAR CEO Bob Goldberg said. "However, the widespread proliferation of real-estate technology, resources and information often leaves consumers feeling overloaded and overwhelmed." Bringing in an expert with a deep knowledge of the home buying process and marketplace is the most effective way for a
homebuyer to ensure, for example, they can win a bidding war without overpaying for a home. In a 2020 study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 50% of buyers said agents helped them collect more valuable information from online listings than buyers could have uncovered on their own - saving time, money and stress. According to NAR, 87% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, a share that has steadily increased from 69% in 2001. Similarly, home sellers can benefit from an agent's support in effectively pricing and marketing their homes. And while the human element will always be an important part of real estate, that doesn't mean tech isn't changing how that relationship works. “Real estate is local and, in most cases, hyper-local,” Goldberg said. “While buyers and
sellers may have some understanding of the market, Realtors bring the experience, expertise and market intelligence that cannot be found from online sources.” There's substantial opportunity to integrate new technology into the buying and selling process, and real estate agents embrace these trends. Sellers and their agents now have the option to give up the traditional office environment and go fully virtual when they meet to discuss marketing strategies and review paperwork. Drone photography now provides an added glimpse into a home. And virtual tours give prospective buyers from all over the world a chance to view a property. One example of how technology is making the buying and selling process easier is through the use of electronic signatures. For 20 years, NAR
has supported efforts to legalize eSignature broadly and in particular for the real estate industry. Today, DocuSign is one of the most well-known eSignature tools and empowers agents to better serve buyers and sellers by getting transactions done quicker and easier. Technology today has provided consumers with access to more information than ever before, and for real estate agents, access to technology products and services enable a higher level of customer service. And in the process, consumers get the best of both worlds: Technology at their fingertips to get them started and real estate agents making sense of all that information and other technology to help people make the right choice about where to start a family, raise their children and build lifelong community.
Aging in place From page 23 cient. Additionally, consider lights that make it easy to navigate to the bathroom at night, such as motion lights and nightlights.
Shower safety Bathing is an important self-care task but can be challenging for aging adults. To make these tasks simpler, consider adding a shower seat and detachable shower head to showers for easier cleaning. That way you can sit while you hold the sprayer in your hands which helps prevent slips. Very low or zero entry showers are also good because they reduce the chance of tripping.
Grab bars Being able to securely hold yourself steady while navigating the bathroom helps prevent falls and other accidents. That's why grab bars are essential for aging in place, and are especially useful by the toilet and 28 Spring 2022
around the shower and bath. Not only are Kohler Bathroom Grab Bars sturdy and durable, they come in a vast array of styles and finishes to fit seamlessly into any design. There are even styles that match faucet collections, creating a cohesive look.
Lever faucets Dexterity can be an issue for aging adults, making it difficult to twist faucet knobs. A bathroom faucet with a lever eliminates the need for twisting by featuring a single lever that is easy to move to adjust the water temperature and pressure. Plus, a single lever is often easier to clean, which is a good thing for people who desire to age in place. Being able to stay in your home where you feel comfortable is important as you age. With these smart bathroom updates, you can feel safer and more secure.
MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDE
