Searching the M
LS has never been easier or more complicated!
My how times have changed! It wasn't long ago, even since my real estate career began (2003) that buyers had to rely on real estate agents to provide accurate and up to date MLS search information. It wasn't that much earlier that the MLS listings were printed in a Book platform that was updated bi-weekly, can you say waste of precious resources! Now that the world has been brought to our fingertips finding homes for sale has never been easier.
Today when a buyer or seller decides they want to search MLS listings they have a million and one choices available. Not only can they expect every legitimate Brokerage to have an MLS search most individual agents have one as well. If that weren't enough, new age advertising/MLS search sites have sprung up like wildfire. Sites such as Zillow, Trulia, Frontdoor, Redfin and so on have advanced greatly and provide information on neighborhoods, schools, walkability scores, current market values and more.
Although these MLS search sites are user friendly and full of information you will still want to enlist the advice of a qualified Real Estate professional to evaluate your local market and specific listing. Far to often I will hear a buyer or seller say "Zillow says it's worth this much", remember Zillow hasn't been in the home nor does it recognize functionality and condition. This could result in the home being undervalued or overvalued and your real estate professional can help you avoid both.
Enlisting the help of a real estate professional to search the MLS on your behalf will ensure you receive accurate and up to date information. An agent can also define your search in ways these other sites cannot. An example would be if a buyer only wants to look at single story homes with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, A/C and bath off the master an agent can easily accomplish this and therefore save the buyers time. In addition the agent can save this specific MLS listing search and alert the client as soon as a new listing matches their search criteria.
Remember, if you find yourself searching the MLS on line and get tired of scrolling through the same listings you aren't interested in it may be time to call your local Realtor and ask them to help you find the home that meets your needs. Good luck, your home is out there you just may need a Realtors help to find it!
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