If there were a health issue in your family, you would turn to your doctor with questions. Likewise, you would consult an attorney if you were facing a legal problem. Chances are, however, that you would first go online to any number of medical or legal websites to familiarize yourself with the issues and get enough information to begin an informed discussion with your doctor or lawyer.

Those websites won’t illustrate how to perform surgery, or advise you how to conduct your case in court. That’s up to the professional. The Internet plays a similar role in real estate. It’s a great place to discover information, but it doesn’t replace the trust and service provided by an accomplished representative.

Nearly all buyers these days use the Internet to begin their home search, and then they seek the assistance of a living, breathing real estate agent to complete their purchase. They’re not about to take a virtual tour of 264 Elmwood Drive, add it to their “shopping cart,” and proceed to “secure checkout” to complete the sale.

Buying a home is not the same as buying airline tickets or DVD’s. Real estate agents provide essential services to both buyers and seller, marketing properties as unique as their owners. Don’t short change yourself on the biggest transaction of your life. Seek the representation and guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced professional.