There are hundreds, no thousands of real estate websites out there, not to mention individual real estate agent websites such as this one. Homebuyers have thousands of choices, and real estate agents as well have a lot of options on how to present property searches on their websites.
Homebuyers also have national websites such as Trulia, Zillow, Realtor, Homes and more to choose from, but the problem with these national sites is that the information could be skewed as to what the actual information is on a property. Each website will display different information such as past property sales, mortgage calculations and the basics of each MLS listing. However, most individual real estate websites will have the information pulled directly from the local MLS.
Each County, city or region has its own multiple listing service into which the real estate agent must buy. Once they have done this, they can present the information on their own website. This information is deemed more accurate; however, if the information is entered incorrectly by the real estate agent listing the property, the information will be inaccurate on all of the websites syndicated across the country.
This is where using an actual real estate agent that is local and knows the area is so valuable. Yes, you can use these national websites and even individual websites to learn about an area, get a feel for the average home price and about how much you'd be paying a monthly mortgage, but for the most accurate information a real estate agent will be able to obtain the details you need in order to make an informed decision. Large companies such as Zillow and Trulia won't be able to tell you about the coffee shop opening on the corner or the eyesore across the street that's been a derelict property for decades. These are things that a local real estate agent will know and be able to share with you.
National websites and even regional MLS sites can only offer information that has been input either by tax records or actual listings.
A local real estate agent will be able to tell you the nuances of the property, details on school districts, homeowner associations or any upcoming news of construction or neighborhood improvements.
So, while it's perfectly convenient and acceptable to search through hundreds of websites, when it comes down to actually viewing and purchasing a property, nothing beats a local real estate agent.
Feel free to give me a call at any time for information on the Palm Desert, Indio or Palm Springs area. Because I live here, work here and play here I can offer you the very best service from a local real estate agent.
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