Nope! In fact, with all the Internet disinformation, misinformation, misinterpretation and general sludge . . . consumers need expertise and someone to protect them (from themselves and everyone else) more than ever!

I have no fear of that. Though most of my clients have done extensive looking online, they are still full of questions and dependent on my expertise when we connect. I love seeing them get it.

Are you referring to door to door sales?  If so, there are many agents still door knocking. The Guru Party teaches it and preaches it.

At my age Paul by the time (if it does) get to that, for me anyway, it won't make any difference.... 

Overall? No. But those who do not adjust their practices and knowledge to keep pace with consumer behavior, and provide the services buyers and sellers need WILL suffer

I also agree with Candice A. Donofrio agents who give personalized and top notch service will survive.

If an agents business model is from 1990, they should know this is the extinction model. 

Be aware the encyclopedia sales person did not go out of business because people no longer needed information.

The information business is BOOMING and the need for skilled sales people has never been greater. The WORLD BOOK folks just were not agile enough to stay on the wave.

Not a chance. Real estate will always be a person to person business.

I agree with Candice A. Donofrio 

They are sue trying but what the consumer needs is service, those who provide it will have success where those order takers will be looking for new work

Not if we keep treating people like they are buying encyclopedias...A

Those who do not update their practices to meet consumer expectations may become extinct.

I really don't think so.

I don't think that's a fair comparison for 2 reasons:

1) simple vs complex sale

2) Encyclopedias basically don't exist any more.  So how can you sell something that people don't need/want.

Paul - I certainly hope not.

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Broker, Tacoma Washington I don't think we're looking at extinction, but I do believe we will have to change the way we do business.

I don't remember the salesperson but we had Encyclopedia Britannica in our house growing up.   There are some who might say that your next question is true.   I don't believe so.  

No - we have a value that is not replicated by non professionals or the internet - we may be getting more professional as a group though

Nope, the personal touch and local knowledge are still major factors in a purchase!

 Good morning Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Broker, Tacoma Washington . If something doesn't change, real estate may go the same way as the Fuller Brush salesman and the Encyclopedia sales people. Online services are going to appeal to sound cannot take their face out of their mobile device.

Good morning Paul. I don't see that at all, it is very difficult to take the human element out of the real estate listing and selling process.

Yes and no.

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Broker, Tacoma Washington - remember the record companies? They don't exist any more. Remember travel agencies? Now they sell something more than just tickets.

As long as we keep pace with technology and make sure we serve our clients,  and as long as the things we sell needs personal touch, our industry will always be needed.

I noticed that Quicken Loans is now pushing Rocket Loans to get loans online.  I hope it doesn't all go that way.

I went to Advertising school and worked at Advertising agencies doing layouts for ads.  Now it is all computerized. My expertise is obsolete now.

no I don't.  The internet will never be a substitute for buyers actually being at and in the property.

No. 

Only if we do not keep up with technology - I believe buyers and sellers need the human touch  and someone to bounce their fears off of . They need someone to keep things in the right perspective and guide them in the right direction .    It is not easy selling a house and getting it to closing

A few may, but most will adapt.

I recall I almost bought the package many years ago

We spent $1300 a large sum back then to purchase what we thought would make our kids excel in school. My wife even had her spend the night too and we completed the sale in the morning. We both loved reading these. As to your question, an app could very well do the steps but someone would have to make sure those steps are the what they are. What about questions too?

No...pages and pages of disclosures ensure that

I do not think so Paul.  It still takes someone to put the deal together

No way, they still need us.. Real estate is a people business that cannot be done by an online robot.

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Broker, Tacoma Washington we're already out of business and don't even know it.  Trulia, Zillow, Home Gain, Redfin and even Realtor.com will enjoy dancing on our ashes.  Well to the Bill Gates of the world, enjoy!

No.

I don't think so.  Try as hard as Zillow, Realtor and Redfin might, the traditional model will still exist, at least in some capacity.  Just like when call centers moved to India and then moved back, I think any change away from a 24x7 realtor to a 8-5 call center realtor will backfire eventually.

It's certainly a possibility, though I don't think the technology is anywhere near the level to replace us as of now.

No, I don't think so. Like any industry, we need to adapt and the good ones  will su

The public is smart enough to know when they need a professional.