Real Estate Mythbusting: Why Big Portals Aren't Enough in the Willamette Valley

Host: Welcome to Market Matters with WVMLS, where we get real about real estate in the Willamette Valley. I'm Dave Pautsch, a RE/MAX Integrity. Our local Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service, or WVMLS, is a powerful but often misunderstood resource. It's the centralized marketplace bringing buyers and sellers together locally since 1949.

Today kicks off our six-week series on busting the myths in real estate. The myth that only the big name real estate portals matter is our subject today. This myth takes a couple of forms. Sellers, for example, think, "If I list my home on the biggest portal, it'll sell without local exposure." Buyers think they can just shop online. "I don't need a local agent."

Let's address the sellers first. Yes, big online portals do get traffic, but not the traffic that matters. Most buyers work with a broker. So, you need WVMLS exposure to get the thousands of Linn and Benton brokers working on your behalf—brokers who only get paid if they find a buyer for your home. Choose a WVMLS member broker to avoid falling prey to this myth, which can cost you time and money.

The "only big portals matter" myth hurts buyers, too. Online portals get their data second-hand from local MLSs. For Linn and Benton specifically, Willamette Valley MLS is the source of real estate listings and sales. Buyers, ask your local agent for access to the WVMLS Collab Center. You'll get deeper info than on a big portal, with property matches tailored to meet your needs in real time.

I'd call that myth busted. Big portals are great, but local is what matters in real estate. Thanks for joining us for Market Matters with WVMLS, where we get real about real estate in the Willamette Valley. I'm Dave Pouch of RE/MAX Integrity. Join us again next Monday at noon for local real estate statistics from the WVMLS.

Learn more at WVMLS.com