By Bridge Hennessey

May 05th, 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, property listings, 3D tours, and real-time market data are always at your fingertips. But when you're making one of the biggest financial moves of your life, buying or selling a home, it’s not just about having access to information. It's about using that information strategically and blending tech with smart decision-making to maximize your success.

Here are 5 proven ways top homeowners are using technology to elevate their real estate experience and how you can too.

1. Balance Tech Tools with Personal Touch

Digital tools are game-changers, but the human element still makes all the difference. Research shows that despite endless apps and websites, personal insights and guidance remain the most valuable part of any transaction. Why? Because no algorithm can fully understand your unique circumstances, emotions, and financial goals.

✅ Homeowner Tip: Use apps and online portals to manage routine tasks, like scheduling showings, tracking offers, or signing documents digitally, while reserving in-person meetings and calls for big-picture strategy sessions. Keep a log of your interactions and decisions with tools like Evernote or Google Keep to stay organized and proactive.

2. Get Personalized Market Intelligence (Not Just Raw Data)

It’s easy to find average sale prices and market trends online, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What matters most is how that data applies to your specific neighborhood, property type, and timing.

✅ Homeowner Tip: Request a custom market analysis from your agent (or use online tools like Zillow’s Local Market Explorer) that drills down into hyper-local trends. Ask questions about upcoming infrastructure projects, school zoning changes, and local inventory shifts that could impact your home’s value over the next 1–3 years.

3. Leverage Premium Digital Showcasing

If you’re selling, high-quality visuals can be your secret weapon. Buyers now expect immersive virtual tours and interactive floor plans, not just a photo gallery. Homes that are digitally staged and professionally showcased consistently sell faster and for more money.

✅ Homeowner Tip: Invest in professional photography and 3D virtual tours to make your listing stand out online. Consider services like Zillow Showcase or Matterport to create an interactive experience that captures buyer attention. This small upfront investment often pays off with quicker sales and higher offers, sometimes tens of thousands more.

4. Build Your Own Online Presence (Yes, You Too)

It’s not just agents who need an online brand, sellers and buyers do, too. Smart homeowners create buzz for their property sale by sharing professional listing photos and videos on personal social media. Buyers can also build digital profiles on major real estate platforms to signal interest in their dream neighborhoods.

✅ Homeowner Tip: Share your listing across social media with compelling captions and invite friends and followers to spread the word. Buyers should follow local neighborhood groups and forums where off-market deals and early bird listings sometimes appear first.

5. Prioritize Trust and Transparency

At the end of the day, trust wins. Whether you're working with an agent or navigating parts of the process solo, integrity and clarity will always be your biggest assets. Savvy buyers and sellers go beyond just asking for help, they expect clear communication and full transparency.

✅ Homeowner Tip: Set clear expectations from the beginning. If you're selling, prepare a detailed property fact sheet (age of roof, recent repairs, utility costs) to head off buyer doubts. If you’re buying, make a checklist of must-haves and nice-to-haves, and share it with your agent upfront. Always document every step of the process for peace of mind.

Technology is your ally, but your mindset and preparation are what truly set you apart. Use tech to stay informed, stay organized, and amplify your reach, but don’t lose sight of the personal connections and insights that drive real success in real estate.

Whether you're buying your dream home or selling your biggest asset, blending digital savvy with human smarts will give you the edge you need to succeed.

Your agent is getting a hefty commission on this deal, let him / her include it in the service. Make sure in writing before signing anything, because you are bound to it after. Let's calculate a 700K home for example: Here’s how it typically breaks down:

• Total commission: $35,000 (5% of $700,000)

• This is usually split 50/50 between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent:

$35,000 ÷ 2 = $17,500

• So each side gets $17,500.

Now, most real estate agents work under a brokerage (agency, like Compass, Remax) and pay a cut. Let’s assume the agent pays 30% to 50% to their brokerage (this varies):

• At 30% split:

$17,500 × 0.70 = $12,250

• At 50% split:

$17,500 × 0.50 = $8,750

✅ Example result:

• Total commission: $35,000

• Buyer’s agent side: $17,500

• After paying the brokerage (30%–50% cut): $8,750–$12,250 net to the agent.