Homeferret.com launches in Dallas with Virtual New Home Search
| by Jeff FlowersParadigm Creative
February 1, 2008 |
Psst. Thinking about buying a new home?
Using the internet can save you a small bundle, maybe a couple thousand bucks. You can put that money to good use, buying blinds, carpeting, whatever. Or even a cash back rebate after closing.
What’s the secret? Go over to Homeferret.com, the Web portal where you can buy newly constructed homes. It’s a free service, no catch.
If you buy a home through Homeferret.com, or even just locate a home or community, using the 1% cash back coupon will put money in your pocket. On the typical new $180,000 home in this area, that comes out to $1,800.
The Internet is filled with come-ons. Online companies, which are burning cash like Rick Stacy does on those commercials, which are trying to build a loyal following. The words “free,” “cheap” and “rebate” get my attention. I get the sense, however, that once an audience has been built up, the online party could end. But Bradley Oellermann, Co-Founder of Plano-based Homeferret.com, insists that the cash bonus is a permanent part of his company’s offer. “We have no plans to end the rebate. It’s a win-win transaction for the builder, buyer, and the realtor,” he said.
That’s right, one of the biggest advantages of the rebate is the benefit to local realtors. “I think the site benefits realtors more than buyers in a way,” exclaims Missy McDaniel with blitzproperties.com, “the information and ease of it really will help me. Not to mention it is Free!”
The market seems ripe for online home buying. Nearly 87% of Americans start their home search online now compared with 2 percent back in 1995, according to the National Association of Realtors. Homeferret is just getting started in this emerging market. The founders have been involved in over 200 home sales since 2005, generating $32 million in new home sales alone.
Currently, five Dallas area builders are in the Homeferret program, including Bloomfield Homes. ”The concept of showing the buyer the conveniences around each community will be a big plus for anyone, including the builders and realtors,” states Felix Blanchard Owner of Bloomfield Homes. Buyers using the site are greeted by Brooke Layne. Click on find a home and state preferences based on price, location and builder. Push the button and you get a list of developments. Web users then after choosing a community will see all of the conveniences of banks, grocery stores, hospitals, and schools located around the community. Also included are floor plans, photos of actual homes, discounted homes, demographics and so on may be available. Participating Dallas-area builders include Bowen Family Homes, New Lineage Homes, D.R. Horton Homes, Beazer Homes and Bloomfield Homes.
The data offered by Homeferret is helpful in narrowing choices, which can save wear and tear on the shoe leather. Homeferret.com, in effect acts as a buyer agent, collecting fees from builders when homes are sold. But, as always, most realtors recommend visiting the homes before purchase to be certain they’re right for you. If you prefer, potential buyers can use Homeferret.com’s staff to do the research.
Homeferret.com, like many sites, also offers information on financing your home. They are happy to announce that Rodney Anderson with CTX Mortgage will be the preferred lender. Rodney is the #1 loan originator in Texas and has a great reputation in the DFW area.
However, I’d like to see Homeferret beef up the video aspect. Oellermann said they’re working on it.
Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for a new home, it wouldn’t hurt to get the rebate. Consider it a gift from Frankie . . . the 25 foot blue inflatable ferret that has been popping up all over the metroplex.
