2006 National Association of Realtors

• 80% of all buyers used the Internet in their search for a home, 83% of first-time buyers used the Internet, and 78% of repeat buyers used the Internet

• 96% of homebuyers who used the Internet looked online for properties for sale.

• 81% of buyers who used the Internet purchased their homes through an agent/broker, while only 63% of those who did not search online used a real estate professional.

• The typical Internet searcher visited 11 homes, in comparison with non-Internet searchers who visited only 6 homes.  Non-Internet buyers frequently purchase a home directly from the seller or builder, which reduces the number of homes viewed.

• The typical Internet searcher spent eight weeks searching for a home, compared with 6 weeks for non-Internet searchers. Internet searchers begin searching earlier and spend more time reviewing other sources of information about a community or availability of homes with specific characteristics.

• Characteristics of Internet Home Searchers: 63% are married, the median age is 39 years and the median income is $74,300. Characteristics of Non-Internet Searchers: 54% are married, the median age is 51 years and the median income is $61,000.