Dec. 28, 2006 - Using the Internet to Find Property

Last night I ran to show a property that had come on market just before noon.  When I returned home after writing the offer on it, I check it in a poplar map home search site (not Redfin) and it wasn't there!  I was so HAPPY!  And yes, no one else had an offer on it yet...probably didn't even know it was for sale yet!

Here is an article I wrote earlier this year that was helpful to many.  I totally agree that this should not be the case, but for some reason it is.  And my clients are very glad that it is true :)

Jan. 2, 2007 - re: Using the Internet to Find Property

Ardell-

I think it is important to remember that real estate is local. You won't find a site in my neck of the woods (Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee) that has both Active and STI. In fact we don't even use the term STI. We use Pending or Under Contract.  Our MLS (which is the NCWMLS not the NWMLS) doesn't differentiate either.  I'm happy to show pending listings to serious buyers and email the data to inquiring minds, but the DIY crowd will have a tough time in my neighborhood.  (Zilllow's having a tough time too without online county records)

I think an important lesson here is for consumers/ home buyers to pick an real estate agent that they like and trust to help them find a home.  My market place is not fully represented on the web. Lazy agents don't post pictures, the mapping features work intermittently, there's never any mention of train noise, etc.  A good agent can filter out the noise and help them in so many ways the best web site cannot.

Jan. 5, 2007 - re: Using the Internet to Find Property

Geordie,

I missed this.  I think I'll pass it by.  I think we all write primarily from the perspective of where we are, and to people where we are.  If it doesn't fit Kansas...go tell the Wizard.  It IS possible to use the internet here in Seattle for many things, and or to get discounts if you can do that on your own.

To say people can't do things on their own is insulting to them.  Some can, some can and choose not to, some need more help than others.  Everyone doesn't need the same thing.

Seattle market is the best for tech oriented sales...it is the home of Microsoft and Google (well maybe not Home) and many tech savvy people.  What you experience there is irrelevant to our blogspace.

Mar. 19, 2007 - re: Using the Internet to Find Property