Real Estate Back Then

Before the internet, prior to Zillow, Real Estate Brokers specialized in neighborhoods.  They actually knew the inventory, and shared market trends, property nuances, and the unique neighborhood attributes. A sales contract was comprised of one legal sheet (often carbon backed to make a duplicate) with all terms of the agreement typed in the blanks. Today’s transactions consist of a 10 page Purchase Agreement, mostly check boxes and over fifteen advisories from water conservation to market fluctuations to trust advisories. Integrity and knowledge was imperative. Back then it was up to the individual Agents to disclose these details making the choice of professional representation very important. Referrals were common among those who knew the market, the inventory and their neighborhoods. 

Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors printed books of active listings and delivered to member offices each week. Realtors would have to visit a property to see the interior, know the layout and to understand the level of construction. The book only had one vague black and white photo of the front, if there was even a photo. Descriptions were limited. Times have changed. This book contained “confidential” information, but now listings are easy to search on a number of platforms. However, I still believe the knowledge a good Realtor can provide far exceeds what is gleaned on Zillow.