The Folklore:
"The world Wide Web Is Great I Can....

1. Buy a book, clothes, computers, cd's
2. Book a seat and buy an airline ticket
3. Buy or sell a house
4. Get legal advice
5. Get a medical opinion
6. Get a mortgage or refinance

At what point in the above statements do we cross over the line from fact to folklore? If you say after #two, give yourself a gold star! What's the difference between the first two lines of products and the last four services? Simple: The first two are functionary products, the last four are fiduciary level services. You can purchase the first two products entirely online and possibly save money in the process. But, with the last four services, while the Internet is a great place to start your search for service providers, if you try to complete your entire transaction online you will very likely risk losing your shirt financially (real estate, mortgage, legal) or your health (medical) if you don't consult a local provider who understands your individual needs and is accountable for their service.

Despite claims to the contrary, the Internet is not an experienced Real Estate Professional. It cannot advise, counsel, consult, have knowledge of The Estates, local laws, local market conditions, required disclosures, make judgements or be responsible for the results. Most important, it cannot understand your individual situation, goals, and needs and care about you as a client. For the most part you will be on your own. The biggest downside is: what happens when something goes wrong! I do my very best for my clients since my business is dependent on your referrals. The DOT COM is not! To get an accurate interpretation of any information you receive on line, please contact me.
Note: A few sites may offer to set you up with a local agent (but, like the help me sell my home companies, at their cheapie rates, imagine the quality of the agent you'll end up with, and what that might cost you!)

The DOT COM's also might not be the best to place to arrange for a mortgage when buying a home or refinancing. I have seen problems associated with both. I had an Estates client that was charged over $5,000.00 as a prepayment penalty even though he trusted the on line mortgage company when they told him they would waive it when he sold his house.

The mortgage companies I work with derive a lot of business from me and other Realtors&, therefore they are accountable. No "bait and switch" on rates a week before closing. No stalling on funds on the day of closing etc. etc.