What Do Real People Think About Online Real Estate Marketing?

In our main feature, What Makes Online Platforms Effective for Selling Property Faster?, we explored why some platforms consistently outperform others and how agents, developers, and investors can use them to build trust and close deals faster.

In our Market Watch follow-up, we broke down the numbers to see which platforms and content types really matter. From platform preferences in Malaysia to global trends in social media, content, and AI, the data reveals what actually drives faster property sales.

But numbers and research are only part of the story. Here’s what real people think, and we’d love to hear your view too.

From public discussions on Reddit and Quora, we noticed two clear camps:

Those who believe digital platforms are essential.

Supporters argue that buyers, especially younger generations, spend most of their time online. Even if they have smaller budgets, they represent the future market. For them, visibility on social media and property portals is non-negotiable.

Those who think traditional methods still dominate.

Critics emphasise that older generations hold more real purchasing power. These buyers trust referrals, offline networks, and in-person meetings far more than digital ads. For this reason, agents who focus too heavily on online channels risk missing the audience with the money.

Supporters of Digital Platforms

1. IfItFitsItShipz (Agent)
   It’s a path, but it doesn’t need to be your path. I don’t use it and I do well.
2. Nikidmaclay (Agent / Broker)
   A robust social media presence helps your sphere, past clients, and their referrals to remember you. My hunch is that your posts need work rather than you making a wholesale rejection of social media.
3. Young_Denver (Realtor)
   Social media and video are huge for us. The twist is that we really focus on the community, businesses and client successes over having the spotlight on US. I think most realtors do social media wrong. 
4. MacsMomma (Agent / Content Creator)
   I am getting consistent leads from IG, but not any influencer by any means. I talk about the town, the cute local businesses, and houses, houses, houses. I showcase my favourite listings,… I shoot cute streets in my town,… and use those as b-roll background for homebuyer education content.
5. Nebula454 (Agent / Realtor)
   Social media helps when your clients Google you and see you’re active. It might help them choose an agent they see is active, vs one that is a ghost online.

Critics of Digital Platforms

1. UpstairsInitiative (Agent)
   As important as you want it to be, but it is by no means critical. I am probably the opposite of a lot of the feedback you will get, as I am someone who doesn’t do much social media at all. 99% of my clients don’t give a damn about social media to be honest. Most of them are business owners, doctors, attorneys, etc and they don’t place a great deal of value in social media.
2. WeChat1077 (User / Website Owner)
   Social media, particularly Facebook, doesn’t have the reach it used to for leads unless you pay $$$. But it is important to be present and somewhat active and fun because prospective clients will check you out first … Besides, average agent workload vs rewards isn’t balanced anyhow.
3. Reddit user (Broker / Realtor)
   Many agents feel Zillow, Redfin, Realtor, Trulia etc sell you leads at an exorbitant rate. Inaccurate data that many consumers put too much faith in. They sell you leads at high cost, and then the buyer experience is poor.
4. Reddit user (Property Buyer)
   While the big free real estate sites are great at getting listings up right away, they are absolutely terrible at updating to reflect properties under contract … It misleads people.

We’ve heard from agents, buyers, and investors across Reddit and Quora. Now we want to hear from you: what works best in your experience, social media and portals, or referrals and face-to-face networking? Add your voice to the conversation.