"If you listed it, how come you don't know anything about it?"

I received a phone call yesterday about a house for sale in Melbourne, Florida.  Since I was going into an appointment I asked the caller if I could return the call in an hour.  No problem, she replied

After returning to my office I called her and after she identified the property I let her know I could not find any information on it.

Her response was "If you listed it, how come you don't know anything about it?"

After further queries I found out she had located it on that bastion of real estate information known as #Zillow!

I quickly brought up #Zillow and located the property by address.  I advised her it was not listed for sale by any agent in our MLS system.  I let her know none of the agents on that page represented the seller.  Incidentally, that is why she initially called me.

I scrolled to the bottom of the page and found the listing provided by the owner.

Zillow, like a lot of other real estate mega-websites, allow for sale by owners to "list" their property alongside real estate agent listed properties.  I can see how this can confuse anyone searching homes for sale. 

I let her know the usual  for sale by owner seller likely did not want an agent involved.  She said she would call and, if it was something she was interested in, she would insist on having a buyer's agent represent her.

As for all the real estate information on the Internet... I understand there is a wealth of information available on the Internet. 

Some information is useful and good in the hands of the right person.  Some information is not as useful.   Some information is not current.   Some information is not even correct.

When it comes to real estate be careful.  Do your research on the Internet if you prefer but then call a local real estate agent. 

Buying a home is a large financial obligation with a long term commitment.  Use all the best information available.    And the source of the best information available is beyond doubt  a local knowledgeable real estate agent. Since sellers pay the buyer's agent here in Melbourne, Florida there is no reason to not have your own.  

Perhaps the caller's question should have been "Does Zillow intentionally mislead?"

My response is simple... Buying a house requires attention to detail. If you can be easily confused by Zillow then "hire your own real estate agent, please!"

Ready to buy a home in Melbourne, Florida?  Call or text me at 321-693-3850.  I want to help you!

 

Gary L. Waters, is a Florida licensed real estate broker at  Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC, Melbourne, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and surrounding communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach.

 

 

 

 Call or text me directly at 321-693-3850.