The question in the subject of this post was one I came across in another forum.

I was feeling a little flippant today and also in somewhat of a mood to pander to my real estate buddies.  Here was my response.

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"Want" and "need" are different, right?

With that said, I guess as a consumer myself, I would WANT to know when I'll be able to download software like TurboTax or Taxcut to complete a purchase contract. I would also WANT it to have the same online "interview" format that asks online questions to which I enter responses so that appropriate information populates in the correct fields.

I would also WANT to have access to an online valuation tool that factors for "Days on Market" and prices on "Pendings" and "Expireds," in addition to prices on "Sold" properties so that I may more appropriately determine my initial offer and respond to counter offers.

I would also WANT to have a similarly configured automation tool to help me manage the escrow process. Something like settlementroom.com, but more for consumers to manage the seller/buyer side of transactions directly between each other and escrow. But, I also WANT it to be sophisticated enough to help me manage my 1031 exchange.

Then, after I get all the online automation I said I wanted, I will WANT an online concierge service to help me manage my life for the next 30-45 days because I vastly underestimated the amount of disclosures, statutory docs, addenda, property hazards, title information, and so on.

Then, when I start reading all those docs, I might also WANT to have someone help me interpret language in key paragraphs of key documents while also scheduling all the necessary inspections and related closing activities -- including those uniquely required by cities and townships -- such that contract contingencies are cleared before I breach them. And, I will also WANT this person to help me re-negotiate aspects of the transaction with the other party when inspections dictate costs that were previously unaccounted for.

Ahhh, what the hell. I guess what I NEED is a Realtor... ;-)

(End of sucking up... back to our regularly scheduled programming...)