Who Needs A Buyer’s Agent?

Redfin allows buyers to tour a Redfin listing without an agent through their Direct Access program. Homebuyers can tour by themselves vacant properties without an agent by using the Redfin app to unlock the home. Redfin has also partnered with ADT Security to help equip homes with smart locks and sensors. Redfin says they verify the identity of every buyer before their tour and covers up to $100k in the event of loss or damages to the home for the seller.

Seems like to me just another way to eliminate YOU. Redfin says their listings with Direct Access receive twice as many showings which is good for the seller. But, is this service good for the buyers? You as a Realtor can provide so much wisdom about a house and the neighborhood during a showing. I wonder if buyers who utilize Direct Access have a higher contract fall-out rate? Or even worse they discover after they move into their home that they hate their home’s weird floorplan that you would have pointed out to them. Or maybe they hate their new neighborhood.

Making viewing listings more convenient seems like a good idea; but often convenience comes at a higher cost down the road.