3 Expert Tips for Online Property Searches

 

Searching for homes online can be exciting! At the very least, a quick online search presents the types of homes that are available in your price range. Instant access to properties can also facilitate communication with your Realtor who wants to know which homes you want to visit. However, online home searches can be problematic. 

Expert Tip #1: Enjoy researching homes online in your spare time, but also commission a knowledgeable Realtor to start researching and networking for you.

 

Many home seekers will involve Realtors in their property searches only after they have narrowed in on one or more properties. This is not the best approach. As discussed below, online home searches do not always result in the most complete or up-to-date information. 
·         Keep in mind, Realtors sometimes network to buy and sell homes before they are listed on the MLS. In some cases, Realtors may solicit residents in a desired neighborhood to sell based on buyer interest. 
·         A good property listed at a great price isn’t likely to sit on the market. Having an established relationship with a local Realtor will ensure you are able to move quickly when the right property comes along. 
·         Looks can be deceiving! A home that appears lovely online may be next to a garbage dump. Realtors rely on their extensive real estate and area knowledge, as well as their personal connections with other Realtors, to avoid showing properties with fatal flaws.

Expert Tip #2: Select a Realtor based on referrals and credentials, not online paid advertising.

 

Dozens of real estate sites advertise online home searches. Once you enter these sites, you are bombarded with advertisements. As soon as you enter your personal information, a Realtor calls wanting your business. This Realtor has paid for your number and may know very little about the particular property you are interested in.  This is probably not how you want to select your Realtor.
If you do not have a Realtor and you want to request a showing, consider calling the listing agent who will likely be well-informed about the property, eager to increase traffic to the property, and happy to share the date and time of the property’s next open house. By the way, cruising open houses can be a great way to casually meet a variety of different Realtors with whom you may be interested in doing business.

Expert Tip #3: When conducting online home searches, choose a site that feeds from the NWMLS and is likely to be well-maintained by local agents.

 

If you are paying close attention as you conduct your online home search, you will notice that not all online home searches result in the same information. Many sites pay to feed certain information from the NWMLS and then offer Realtors the opportunity to enhance listings with additional information. For example, some sites offer open house details, but these details will only appear if the Realtor manually enters the particular website and updates this information on a regular basis. Many Realtors simply do not have time to update dozens of online home search websites. As Realtors, we suggest searching through your local real estate company’s website.

Coldwell Banker Bain's Online Property Search

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