It’s the beginning of a new decade and what better way to start 2020 off with a bang than moving into a new home. Over the last ten years, a lot has changed about the real estate market, so if you haven’t bought or sold for a while, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest market stats and trends.

In 2010, buying a home was simple. You called asked a friend for their recommendation on a local real estate agent, told them what you wanted, and went to see a few homes that fit your criteria before making a decision. Browsing the MLS was the #1 platform buyers used to look at properties. Your realtor likely scanned or faxed your offer to the listing agent when submitting it and waited diligently by the machine for the send confirmation receipt.

In 2020, the way that people search for a new home and place an offer to purchase the property has changed drastically. Over 90% of homebuyers looked at properties online before deciding to buy last year. It would be more unusual for a client to not use the internet in their transaction.

Some sellers decided to sell their homes to something called an iBuyer, a tech company with a stake in the real estate market. Companies like Zillow and personal IDX feeds on a realtors’ website boast more traffic than board run MLS search tools.

Real estate agents promote listings on social media, search engines, and direct to consumer marketing through email and text message. Offers are most commonly sent electronically and first-time homebuyers wouldn’t even know how to operate a fax machine.

Beyond the business changing, Central Florida looks quite different than it did ten years ago as well.

There are new communities and developments connecting all of our beautiful communities, local businesses thriving on every corner, and of course, much of the same historic charm our towns are known for.

Ten years ago was the peak of the foreclosure market after the recession. Many homes were half the value they are today and because of the extremely low prices, in some cases homes received ten or more offers.

Being in business since 2002, Elite Property Sales has seen and been a part of all the exciting changes that every new year brings to the industry working hard to get our clients the best results in the everchanging market.

We’ve seen the highs and lows of the real estate market and watched Central Florida become even more of a vibrant and exciting place to live. We’ve watched industries move in and provide more jobs and opportunities to the people in our communities and draw even more newcomers to the area to build their lives.

If you’re buying or selling in 2020, it’s never been easier to look at your options, get help, and find the home that’s perfect for your lifestyle needs.

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