There are all sorts of tips and tricks to try when you’re buying a home. But what really works? Is it the real estate agent a friend referred to you because they had a pleasant experience? Or maybe online research will be the key? You may even be on the hunt for yard signs in the neighborhood.
To make it easier, let us introduce you to HomeLight. This website uses data analytics and in-depth research methods to find you the best real estate agent in your area. The company pulls metrics, such as sales numbers, and evaluates marketing and preparation strategies from previous home sales.
HomeLight uses these bits of data to pair you with the right agent for your needs. That agent will know the ins and outs of the local school system, price trends and possibly have access to early listings.
HomeLight Content Marketing Manager, Matthew Proctor, talked to RewardExpert and offered a deeper look into what products and services you can expect from HomeLight.
How HomeLight Began
Drew Uher founded the company after being frustrated with his own buying experience. “Our founder, Drew Uher, first thought of the idea of HomeLight when he and his wife were looking to buy their first home,” said Proctor.
“They struggled to find a decent real estate agent for the job and were frustrated with the agents they tried out. Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions and largest financial transactions of your life, so why was it so hard to find good people to help?”
Since starting the company in 2011, it has grown to over 100 employees and matched over 193,000 local real estate agents with buyers and sellers.
Who Uses HomeLight?
Anyone who’s ever considered making a life-changing decision like buying a home knows that it would nice to be able to count on a professional for help. Their expertise and experience can be invaluable. That’s part of what the typical consumer is looking for when they turn to HomeLight.
“Anyone buying or selling a home can use HomeLight to find their perfect real estate agent, but we’ve found that the product really resonates with homeowners who want to sell faster and for more money,” continued Proctor. “Our customers are a diverse group of American homeowners–they come from all walks of life and live all over the country.”
But which factors are being assessed when pairing off agents? This is a perfect question for potential buyers who want to know they are not being lead to overpriced property.
Proctor emphasizes that the company and its philosophy is data-driven and uses strict codes of conduct to be sure they are matching each buyer or seller with the appropriate agent. Unlike other real estate services, HomeLight does not allow for agents to advertise or adjust a ranking in order to increase their numbers.
The company has also archived the history of previous buying and selling trends to collect data for agents, homes and locations. Having the history on successes and failures is always a plus when considering a new home and working with an agent.
What’s New at HomeLight?
We wanted to see if there was anything new at HomeLight that current and future users can look forward to.
“Something really awesome that we’re doing here at HomeLight right now is centered around our seller’s resource center,” said Proctor. “We work with the best real estate agents in America and regularly publish the best advice, guides and news for homeowners at every stage of the home selling process, from decluttering to closing and everything in between. We’re quickly becoming the go-to place for home sellers seeking advice on how to better sell their homes faster and for more money.”
This will be a great resource for potential investors and buyers. Having a centralized location of charts, data and information can be a crucial component during the buying processes. This will help bring peace of mind and also a solid basis for reasoning while making a decision.
“Our mission is to get anyone buying or selling their home the best possible outcome,” concluded Proctor.