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Are Real Estate Teams a Good Thing for the Consumer?

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:39:36 -0500

This article about Real Estate Teams appeared in the New York Times this morning. The article says that real estate teams takes a cue from medical practices which is a bit of a stretch. In a medical practice if you go to your internist (the broker) and he refers you to another specialist in his office that individual is a trained and boarded specialist in his own right. In real estate teams the individual you are handed off to is often new to the business and learning. I often think about forming a team the problem is that I then think about how I would feel about hiring a broker, developing a rapport and understanding with that person and then not continuing the conversations with that person. With having someone else relay messages to that person, or having to repeat and explain things to another person when I thought that I had an understanding with the broker. This article explains that one of the reasons for a team is to have someone always available for issues that a buyer or seller might need to discuss, well I am always available by cell, instant message and by email.

This is another way of selling real estate that I am sure works for certain buyers and sellers and brokers it is just not the way I choose to do business. It is a way for brokers to fluff up their sales numbers so when you see an agent sold 6 trillion dollars of real estate for the year that includes the broker and their entire team. Don't forget about agency laws as well. When you call a listing broker off an ad and they then assign you to one of their buyer's agent that is a designated dual agency situation if you are interested in their listing. Would you be better off with your own buyer's agent? Ms. Claymen's quote in the article is exactly the problem a team member available is not the same thing as the broker being available. You might be working with a brand new agent under the auspices of the team brokers name which is fine as long as it is disclosed. Disclosure is always key so the consumer can make up their own minds.

"Indeed, many sellers with only one agent worry about getting lost in the shuffle, said Elaine Clayman, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens in Manhattan who oversees an eight-member team, one of the first formed in the New York area.

“Clients tell me, ‘I met the broker, I liked the broker, but I never heard from the broker again,’ ” said Ms. Clayman, who started her team almost a decade ago and often serves as a role model for newer team leaders. “Someone should always be available to hold the client’s hand.”

To read the entire article, here.

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Consumer Centric vs. Agent Centric

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:10:28 -0500

I have had several buyers who have relocated to the Westchester County area over the past few months from other areas of the country. The practice of real estate is local, there are differences from area to area. These buyers come from areas where real estate is consumer centric, the consumer is foremost. One of the areas is Denver. This buyer expected free choice in terms of who she used as a real estate agent and I was glad I could tell her that Westchester County is also conumer centric and that her rights as a consumer to pick her own agent and that she would have full access to available property exists here. She can work with a buyer's agent who will work in her best interests. She was relieved.

Historically before the internet, before agency disclosure laws agency's would withhold listings and try o force buyers to use their company. They tried to sell the listings within their own agency and this is what is called agent/agency centric. They did not share the listings or put them online which meant that a buyer's rights to pick their own agent were taken away from them. They were forced to use specific agency's for access to listings. In New York State this is considered discriminatory. A buyer, according to the Department of State, can not be denied acccess to a property because she is using an agent from another company. There are pockets in the country who simply do not care about the buyers or sellers in their areas, for them it is about selling within their own agency's and making both sides of the commission. Buyers rights be damned. When I began selling real estate it was prior to sharing listings on the MLS buyer's were driven crazy having to go agency to agency simply because the agents wanted both sides of the commission. One of the agency's in Westchester County that was still trying to sell real estate "the old way" has suffered the consequences.

If you are relocating to Westchester County rest assured that the real estate community here is doing the right thing for the buyer's and seller's in our community. The Westchester Putnam Multiple Listing Service works well, is well run and they keep on eye on things for you. It is about you! NOT ABOUT US!

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How Do We Explain (Warn) Buyers in this Market?

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:42:39 -0500

Having gone through many deals this year in this market I am hard pressed as to what to say to my buyer's. Yes, I can say the banks are particularly difficult right now, I can say that their file can sit with underwriters and it may take longer than they think or want. I can tell them that sometimes the banks question the appraisal and require a second look. I can warn and guide them. Then there is the unforeseen. The seller's attorney going on vacation, the bank requiring a documentation that you didn't know you needed and don't have, the rules changing mid transaction just when you thought you had a grip on the whole thing it changes and it's a Federal change and you can't do anything about it, the seller who changes their mind about when they will vacate at the last minute.

I can explain that jumping up and down and demanding that such and such happen is basically a waste of time because if you have the right agents, mortgage brokers and attorney's they are on it without you having to have a fit.

I can say that real estate transaction can be bumpy these days and that is just the way it is.

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Spooktoberfest

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:08:59 -0500

Spooktoberfest for Kids

October 24th, 2009

1pm-4pm (rain or shine)

Hart's Brook Park, Hartsdale, New York

Children's Activities (12 and under)

-1:45pm Halloween Trail Ride, Face Painting, Magic Show

2-2:50pm Mask and Puppet Theatre

3:15-4pm Jennie Berkson, Children's Entertainer

Food Vendors, Games, Contests, Prizes

$5.00/person (under 2 free)

Sponsored by the Town of Greenburgh Department of Parks

Flyer Here

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Trader Joe's In Westchester County, New York

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:02:57 -0500

Trader Joe's

For those of you who don't know about Trader Joe's you should check it out. Buyer's that come into our area often want to know where the nearest Trader Joe's is. It is a cult. If you check it out you will find delicious, natural foods hand picked by the folks at the company who travel around the world looking for unique and unusual foods that you don't find elsewhere. It is fun and there are always new and interesting foods to check out. Each store has a lobster mascot and their website say that haven't a clue why, I like that.

There are three Trader Joe's in Westchester County, one is on Central Avenue in Hartsdale, one is on US1 In Larchmont/Mamaroneck and the other is on White Plains Road (Rte 22) in Scarsdale. It's worth the trip. From their website:

You see, our buyers are like culinary ambassadors. They travel the world - from exotic locales to local farms and dairies - looking for interesting, great-tasting foods and beverages at terrific everyday values. They do all the heavy lifting for you.

For more information visit their website: Trader Joes.

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Oh Oh, I Like It!

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:51:18 -0500

Today I showed a buyer a house. This buyer has seen about 100 houses. This buyer hasn't liked any of the past 100 houses. He has tried and tried. He has talked himself into trade offs. Okay I don't mind the cemetary next door or the highway in the back isn't really that noisy I can live with it. He has really tried.

Today he saw a house that he loved. This is what we real estate agents hope for, that a buyer will fall in love with a house. When a buyer falls in love with a house they don't nit pick and can accept imperfections.

Today this buyer got scared and nervous because he loved the house and felt his judgment might be compromised. I wanted my buyer comfortable and he said this is house is perfect and I am going to look for imperfections. So he and I went through the house and found all of the little things that are wrong with the house. A broken window, no central air, and dated recessed lighting. My buyer now could deal with the feelings he had for this house - it wasn't perfect after all. It made it just a little easier to deal with. It gave him some space. He could take a breath.

He will bid and buy this house and be happy and now for him it makes sense and he understands why he saw all of those houses.

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Apple Picking in Westchester County, New York

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:56:10 -0500

It's fall and it's apple pickin time. There are several apple orchards throughout Northern Westchester County and here are a few of the better known. One has the best cider, the absolute best! They bake fresh pies, you can pick your apples or pumpkins, fresh cider. Great day for the kids! Just click through on the name for the details on each orchard and enjoy.

Outhouse Orchards, Croton Falls till the end of October, everyday from 10a-5p;

Stuarts Farm, Granite Springs, everyday till November, 10a-5p

Wilkins Fruit and Fir Farm, Yorktown Heights, weekends till November 10a-4:30p

Thompson's Cider Mill and Orchard, only weekends 10a-5:30p till November 29th. This is the place with the absolute best cider. Borders Teatown Reservation in Croton-on-Hudson which is in Northern Westchester County.

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Doing Your Own Home Energy Audit

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:53:18 -0500

Do It Yourself Home Energy Audits

In these difficult times saving some money and having more efficient homes is a good thing. The United States Department of Energy has helpful tips and an outline on how to do your own Home Energy Audit.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a web page about how to do your own Home Energy Audit. They walk you through how to check on air leaks, heating/cooling equipment/lighting and insulation.

There are also professional Home Energy Auditors that can do more sophisticated testing than you can do yourself. They have blower door tests, thermography equipment and can take air filtration measurements. The cost can range from $350-500.

The U.S. Department of Energy even has a blog where all kinds of energy related topics are discussed not just home related.m

Home Energy Audits

Department of Energy Blog

Residential Energy Services Network, (RESNET)

Building Performance Institute, (BPI)

Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA)

US Department of Energy

Energy Audits for your home, from the Wall Street Journal

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The Landscape is Changing

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:18:54 -0500

The landscape is changing in real estate. Yesterday AT&T announced that it will allow VOIP on the iPhone. This is a really interesting turn of events. You will now be able to download SKYPE to your phone and use it to make calls over the internet instead of using your carrier minutes and using their network. In my area Verizon has the superior network and I have never had a dropped call. So I have Blackberry that I use on Verizon. However could not resist the allure of the iPhone, watching videos while at home inspections, or listening to music while going on walks not to mention Mobile Me which is a wonderful way to coordinate my computer information with my phone automatically. If I enter an appointment on my iPhone it automatically appears on my calendar on the computer, love this feature. Everything is coordinated.

The reason I have held out getting the iphone is that there service is spotty in Westchester County and since I travel throughout the county I need dependable service.

Now with SKYPE, VOIP service I will not have to worry about the service because I can use my iPhone and make calls over the internet and I am hopeful this will work well and that I can bring my wireless bills down as well.

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Here's One for the Books!

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:14:33 -0500

I RENOVATED THE WRONG CONDO!

What would you do if you bought a condo, spent months living in it and then found out out you actually owned the unit next door. You live in and renovated someone else's property. Well a gentlemen in Colorado did just that and, guess what, blamed the listing agent because she marketed the unit and gave him the keys to the wrong unit. It happened in Colorado, read the full story here.

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Bernie Madoff's House in Montauk is on the Market, But Where?

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 07:17:22 -0500

All over the news this past week I have been watching reports of Bernie Madoff's home in Montauk coming on the market. If looks like a terrific house which is waterfront in Montauk and has just the most magnificent views. So here is my question. I have been searching the multiple listing sites out on Long Island and I can't find the listing. I searched REALTOR.com, I searched the Long Island MLS and a variety of other sites. I can't imagine that a house like this where certainly the best and most extensive marketing must be done to insure that the best price is obtained would not be put on the MLS.

The house is asking $8,750,000. Where is it being marketed? If I can't find it how will all the buyers out there all over the world? Does someone have an exclusive listing they are not sharing? Very strange.........What if I had a buyer and I was showing property's in that price range and I didn't know about this house or have access to it....How can you possibly insure the best price without all the buyers knowing about it.?????

If anyone can shed some light on this much appreciated...

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95 Years Old and Taking Continuing Education

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:25:28 -0500

In New York State Brokers who had been selling real estate full time for 15 years or longer used to be exempt from taking continuing education until this past year when this rule was changed. Now there will be no more exemptions. In Texas I guess they don't exempt anyone. From the Dallas News:

Ebby Halliday recently spent two days "incarcerated," as she puts

The 98-year-old grande dame of residential real estate served her 15-hour sentence of classroom studies required by the Texas Real Estate Commission to maintain her license

How many of us can see ourselves sitting in a classroom at 95? Still selling real estate. Good for her. To read the rest of this article please click the link below:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-p2Ebby_06bus.ART.State.Edition1.3cf983c.html

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A "Free" Market Analysis?

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:06:13 -0500

The phrase "free" market analysis really rubs me the wrong way. Do we use the word free as an enticement for a homeowner to have us come into their homes and have a discussion about what their home is worth? We are saying it won't cost you anything, it is free so why not, you might as well.

It's Free, We Might As Well!

I don't know about all the other agents out there but I know that it takes me hours to fully analyze a property, to carefully consider the market, to position a price so it will get the proper showings and offers. Hours. So, why would I do that for free. I wouldn't. I will be glad to talk to you, to answer your questions, to have a preliminary discussion, so meet you, to visit your home and then see we if want to have another meeting.

You see while you are interviewing me and checking me out, I am also interviewing you. I need to know that we have a good rapport, that you respect my knowledge and expertise. It has to work for both of us. That's why i and other agent's don't take all of the listings that they are offered. Sometimes it just isn't a good fit. A seller has to realize that I am there to list their property and sell it. Not list a property.

The largest asset and a "free" market anaylsis. Interesting isn't it.

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Westchester County, New York Housing Statistics, July 09

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:22:58 -0500

Just published by the New York State Association ofREALTORS are the housing statistics for the month of July
As expected the number of sales is down. The good news is the June 09-July 09 number of sales is up by 23.1%.

Now we need to see if this is because of the spring/summer selling season.

July, 07 614 Sales

July 08 497 Sales

June 09 309 Sales

July 09 411 Sales

July 07 - July 09 -19.1

July 08 -July 09 -17.3

June 09-July 09 23.1*

July 07 - July 09 -33.1

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2A Overhill Road, Scarsdale, New York 10583 for Rent

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:35:17 -0500

A charming Center Hall Colonial in the Village of Scarsdale, New York for rent. Available October 1, 2009 this house features a formal living room, formal dining room, large first floor den, powder room, eat in kitchen, 1st floor laundry, master bed room and bath, 3 family bedrooms and a full hall bath. Two minute walk to the Village of Scarsdale with it's boutiques and Zachy's. Walk to the Scarsdale train station and take a short trip into New York City, 35 minutes. Scarsdale School District. $4,750.00 MLS#2926232

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But You Live In Alabama and I'm in New York

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:11:39 -0500

Two nights ago I got a call from a gentlemen who has some land to sell in Alabama. Several years ago he had this property listed and claims that the agents in his area were unable to help him that they hardly brought him a buyer. He needs to sell now and he is thinking outside of the box. He is calling agents all over the country and asking us to contact our wealthy buyers and send them to him. He will honor the commission and he knew what he was talking about. He had done his homework.

He ran an ad in the Wall Street Journal, no response. He prepared pictures and other marketing materials. He knows the zoning and he wants a fair price. A price he thinks is fair.

He doesn't want to list it with agents in his area because a lot of the offices have closed and real estate is dire in his neck of the woods.

I told him that I didn't think it was in his best interests, that I couldn't help him, I don't know his area, don't know the neighborhood, don't know the schools, the zoning, the transportation and i would be hard pressed to convince a buyer to go down to his area and buy 15 acres with 1 acre zoning, 12 houses could be built and services would have to be put in.

I told him that he should find a really good agent in his area and let them market the heck out of it on the internet and where ever they thought would be the most productive for him. He said nope if I would just send him a buyer he would let one of the local agents deal with that buyer but he will not list with that agent.

I wished him good luck.

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Remarks on Listings are Really Funny at Times

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:29:25 -0500

I had a difficult day today. I am tired and had to go through loads of listings for a buyer reading remarks and more remarks looking for certain characteristics for this buyer. If you have ever gone through lots of listings at a time you will know what I am talking about when I say that they start to run together and some of the remarks are so interesting. Here are just a few:

"Owner Says Sell!" I guess that's why the house is on the market. Agent says price it right and it will sell.

"Roof was Done in 1990" Are you sure you want that in the marketing remarks as a selling point? Really?

"Turnkey and Pristine" Not just pristine!

"Enjoy 2 zone heating and a drainage system" what can one say all this and heaven too!

"Room for expansion and other Possibilities" what other possibilities do you mean?

"Brick Fireplace with a ventilator" Always good to have a ventilator in the house

"Mr and Mrs Clean Live Here" Yes, but will they stay and keep the house clean?

"Tandem Garage for Two Cars" Not four cars?

"Oil tank cleaned" huh?

"Stunning Hardwood Floors" Stunning are you sure you mean stunning?

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It Means this in New York...

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:36:13 -0500

If you are a first time buyer or moving to Westchester County from another part of the country you may receive listings from a Realtor© Real Estate terms mean different things all across the country so you can't assume that if you bought real estate in let's say Florida or Arizona that when it says "pending" on the listing that it means the same thing as up here. There are also differences within the metropolitan area so the following just applies to Westchester County.

ACTIVE - these are properties that are active on the Westchester Putnam Multiple Listing Service. Properties stay active until a contract is actually signed. A property with an accepted offer will still show as active and you may or may not be able to still view it - up to the seller.

CONDITIONAL CONTRACT - the status will change from active to conditional contract when both the buyer and the seller have signed the contract. There might be contingencies such as a mortgage contingency in the contract which is why it is called a conditional contract.

PENDING - the status will change when all of the contingencies in the contract have been met, the mortgage committment obtained and everything is done.

SOLD - the status will change to sold when the title passes and the property changes ownership.

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Ooops, I Should Have Listened

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:42:42 -0500

Several months ago I had an offer on a house in Westchester County. My buyer was preapproved and very qualfied, very qualified. We presented a low offer. The owner said that my buyer needed to come up on their offer before they would counter. The offer was just too low.

The house was asking $625,000 and the offer was $530,000. The offer was too low, too low to counter. So they didn't. Now, I know that my buyer wanted to negotiate. They wanted a response to their offer, they wanted to hear from the seller a response. There was no response. Only the offer was too low.

I said to the other agent, gee, doesn't the owner want to see where this buyer might go and then make a decision. No, the offer was too low.

The house just closed for $15,000 less than my buyer had been willing to pay and this seller will never know.

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Westchester County, NY Market Statistics for June, 2009

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:56:53 -0500

The sales statistics for Westchester County have just been published in two places. One is the New York State Assocation of Realtors and the other is Realist is a company that the Westchester Board of Realtors uses to compile public market data. Let's start with the State numbers.

For existing single family homes in May, 2007 there were 401 sold, May, 2008 there were 306 sold, April, 2009 179 and May 2009 217. The percentages tell the story. From May, 2007 to May, 2009 there were 21.7% less home sold in Westchester County. According to the state the median price has dropped significantly as well. in May of 2007 the median was $675,000, in May, 2008 the median was 703,750 and in May, 2009 the median dropped to $568,000.

Realist picks up stats from public records. This snapshot says 6/3/2009 but when you consider that the sales are not recorded immediately these numbers do not correctly state the market at the current time. There is a lag. Overall however it gives you an indication of what is going on with the market but is not accurate if analyzing the market statistically.

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NAEBA Calls on Congress for Real Estate Agency Disclosure Mandate

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:58:02 -0500

NAEBA Calls on Congress to Establish a Federal Mandate for Real Estate Agency Disclosure

Is NAEBA right? Should Agency Disclosure be a disclosure in mortgage lending reform? Interesting concept. I would rather have the Mortgage Broker/Banker have an agency relationship or disclosure in mortgage lending reform.

" The National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA) released a letter to Congress on Wednesday urging members to include real estate agency disclosure language in legislation relating to mortgage lending reform, including the Anti-Predatory Lending Act and the ongoing discussion over the formation of a Financial Products Safety Commission "

To read the complete press release, here.

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Westchester County Real Estate Blog - the original!

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:35:13 -0500

I started blogging way back, four years ago. At the time there were only one or perhaps two of us on the internet blogging in Westchester County. Even today a small handful of agents are blogging. Back then I named my blog "Westchester County Real Estate Blog" I choose the name because it was simple and clearly indicated what the blog would be about. I also went around the internet to see what other bloggers around the country were doing and many had used the nae of their community and addred "real estate blog".

I bought the domain and pay for it.

Now there ae two other bloggers that use the name. I have checked all around the country on those original bloggers to see if anyone in their area is doing what these two other bloggers are doing and it seems they are not. In other areas bloggers have come up with their own original identities. They nurture their audiences. They are not trying to up their rankings on someone else's back. They maintain their own internet space no stepping on toes.

I would never do this. I want my own identity. I don't want to copy or ride someone elses SEO. In other areas around the country individual bloggers have come up with all sorts of clever names to brand themselves. Don't know why these two bloggers here couldn't do the same.

So, remember there is only one original "Westchester County Real Estate Blog".

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It's Best to Keep Quiet!

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:13:17 -0500

This is a true story that I have slightly embellished to make my point. When you finally find the house you want, you fall in love and you tell your friends about it, you are helping someone else buy it out from under you. Here's the story:

A buyer of mine, a few years back, had spent about a year looking for the house of their dreams. We saw many houses and dismissed many more on the internet. Finally they found the right house and after a year knew it. This couple had also developed a sense of the value and knew what she was willing to pay for it. Finally. During the year there were episodes of despair and the belief that it would never happen.

This couple was excited that they "found their house" and wanted everyone to know about it and so they told everyone, they told friends, they discussed it at the local gym. These friends were willing to forego the friendship because finding the right house was more important. You never know who you are talking to when you discuss a house o the details of a negotiation. The seller's daughter could be that nice girl on the treadmill next to you. The more you talk the more you hand over all your hard work to another buyer.

Well, one night this couple went out to dinner with her parents at a local Italian restaurant. Excitedly they told her parents all about the house and what a good deal they felt they had gotten. They described in detail the negotiations and felt they had handled it with savvy and knowledge. They were proud of how they handled the process and wanted to impress their parents with their knowledge.

The problem was that the seller was sitting at the next table. This buyer had never met the seller as they were never home during showings. The seller heard the story from the next table, recognized the negotiations and amounts and heard "we got such a good deal!" Ooops.

They lost the house.

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You Are Late!

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Tue, 26 May 2009 05:22:58 -0500

I have been busy with showings. I do my best to judge the amount of time each buyer will take in a property and plan accordingly. What I can't plan is if the buyer gets stuck in traffic and is late. Or if the baby sitter doesn't arrive when they said they would and that makes the buyer late. Or if they get a flat tire on the way. We agents do our best but things happen that are out of our control.

It would be nice if we could call each home owner and explain we will be late but by the time the buyer arrives we can't sit in our car with our buyer and call a multitude of offices and ask them to call each homeowner and explain that we will be late because by the time we do that we will be later. Some of the offices are better than others, some aren't even open on Saturday afternoons anymore.

It would be nice if seller's understood we are doing our best and we can't always be on time. It can be annoying to have a house on the market for sale but it is the only way to get the job done. Please be patient and cut us some slack. Thank you.

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Why Do Buyer's Like Zillow?

Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:22:45 -0500

Some buyers really like Zillow and so I thought I would go check it out by narrowing in on one community, one zip code, and see what is going on. Zillow is known in the Real Estate community to be inaccurate. They even have a chart on their site which gives percentages of accuracy/inaccuracy. I went and checked out zip code 10530 and this is what I found.

They say that there are 115 single family homes available in the 10530 zip code. When I go to the Westchester MLS it says 63 active and so I went listing by listing to see if I could figure out the discrepancy. They include some co-op's but not all, there are properties that are in contract included, and there are houses in the surrounding zip codes included. Quite a few have "undisclosed address" and you need to click through to the listing office web site for more information.

WHY DO BUYERS LIKE THIS SITE WHEN THEY CAN GET ACCURATE and COMPLETE INFORMATION AND ADDRESSES ON OTHER SITES????? Just askin?

    Miriam Bernstein can be reached at 914-907-1922
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    914-907-1922
    Twitter
    Westchester County Real Estate Blog
    Search the Westchester County Multiple Listing Service