Today, we do a great deal of business online, and real estate is no exception. Buyers and sellers alike use the web as a resource. In fact, many turn to the internet for their first look at any home they are considering. Researching a home online has many advantages especially for the house hunter who is trying to gather data and information on homes in a specific area.
Keep Up to Date with Your Preferences
There are many Apps that allow you to identify the criteria that you want and alert you the moment a home matching your criteria hits the market. These apps often provide you updates when any changes occur, such as a price reduction or a home that is under contract. This can give you a really good feel for the market, how quickly homes are selling, and often help you determine how to make the best offer.
Another advantage of finding homes online is how easily you can search for your specific needs. You can narrow your field by using our property search and filter available options by number of rooms, price range, number of square feet, number of bathrooms, or home site size. When you narrow your search, you can skip homes that won’t suit your needs, which can save you a lot of time!
Information
A picture is worth a thousand words and searching for homes on line often provides insight into the home’s craftsmanship, size of rooms, the layout, and exterior views. More importantly, when a home is listed online, all interested parties have continual access to information about the home. Furthermore, homes that are listed in a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are often updated within 24 hours of a change in status. This provides the opportunity for you and your real estate agent to tour homes that meet your needs and are available to buy. This is also a great reason to use your agent’s website, as they are often tied directly to the MLS. Other sites may provide similar data, but may not update it as often.
Additionally, once a property is listed online, it’s generally available until the seller takes it down, which prevents miscommunications regarding which properties are available and when. What you see is what’s available for purchase. The Donnelly Group encourage clients to contact us with information about the specific homes they are seeking.
CraigsList, Facebook & Other Social Sites
Buyer beware! Unfortunately, there are many sites that show houses that are not legitimately for sale due to scams and other illegal activities. Buyers can be placed in very dangerous situations, lose deposit money, etc. when they search for homes through these avenues. The best advice is to always work with a licensed real estate agent who can help you steer clear of these scams.
The Donnelly Group has a dedicated Buyer’s agent who can be your guide, your expert, your resource and your advocate. Contact us today and we will work to help you find the home that is right for you and your family.