Real Estate Search Engines

How does someone typically start the process for buying a home?

With the do-it-yourself trend, Bob, so many people start by looking online. They use real estate search engines like Zillow and Trulia.com. This gets people excited about the process, looking at the available pictures and general information. However, I caution my buyers and sellers that oftentimes the information is not accurate. I have seen prices too high or too low, houses that were sold months ago and still show up as available to buy or rent. It can be very confusing.

 

Why is that? Where do these websites get their information?

Licensed Brokers upload accurate information into the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, as required by law. Search engines like Trulia and Hotpads.com have limited access to this data, and they offer it for free to people searching for houses. Yet, these sites are really just another way to sell advertisements as they are not monitored for accuracy and are often unreliable. As Brokers, we can’t control what they choose to promote. The MLS is the gold standard, with information updated daily and only accessible by a Realtor. 

So you’re saying that a buyer really needs to look at the MLS?

Absolutely! As a Broker, I make sure that my buyers and sellers are obtaining current and accurate information and offer them expert advice on what is often, for many of us, the biggest financial decision we will ever make.

I gather that searching online can be only an initial step?

I love the online process when it comes to the buyer. I can set up a portal to the MLS for a buyer with a search to their specific preferences, such as the desired area and price range, sent right to your inbox; as new homes come on the market, it will continue to send them listings of homes that fit their criteria. Only an agent can access the real, live information about homes for sale in our area. So call me today and start your home search!

Technology in Real Estate

What are some helpful facets of technology you can share with us today?

I focus on results, and don't have time to waste on things that don't function for my clients or my team. When I think of using futuristic gadgetry, I envision things that are simple and uncomplicated, yet flexible and powerful enough to perform the way they promote themselves and to fit in with our clients and my high-performance lifestyle. There are many software applications and websites to select from, and I wanted to share a few of the cutting edge resources that my team and I utilize.

What are some great websites for buyers?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is accessibly only by Realtors®, but there are other websites that pull directly from the MLS using what is called an IDX feed, such as Realtor.com and Homes.com, as well as this website CherylMarlow.com. When people think of online websites, typically the first ones that pop up are Trulia and Zillow, being two of the most popular sites out there. If I didn't say what great exposure they can be for sellers and prospective for buyers, I would be lying. However, these are often inaccurate. As a buyer, we will create a personalized, advanced search delivered directly to your inbox for FREE.

What do you have for sellers?

For our clients, we utilize an electronic signature system which you may have heard of, Docusign, so that even if you're on the beach, we can have you sign an offer (or Counter Offer) within minutes! There is also my Listing Manager's, Keira's, favourite: ShowingSuite.com, that is linked to the lockbox in place on your home. Every time that lockbox is opened, it sends an email informing you as well as our team about the showing, and we request feedback regarding the buyer's interest in your home. My personal favourite is one that only those under the Prudential umbrella can use, what we call the Listing Activity Report. Every week, we send a personalized comparative market analysis, showing how many people have viewed your home online, and information about other homes in your area. This is a sample of the technology we offer our clients, contact me for additional trade secrets!