Dale and I just read an article from the Business Insider about home search sites such as Zillow, Trulia, Relator.com, etc. Before reading our reflections, we think you ought to peruse the article: Zillow and Trulia Face Backlash from Real Estate Agents.
So, where do you go to search for homes? Zillow? Trulia? Realtor.com? Colorado Home Finder? The list goes on and on … and each home search website has its "Pros and Cons". Some allow you to search by map/location, some by price point and some by a complex list of criteria. The problem is that these searches download their information from the MLS - which is a field orientated download and not all of the information lands in the correct spot on each of these sites. In addition, they each download information at various times and not all of the information is up-to-date or accurate. Example: We have a home currently listed for sale that is a true custom home. It does not fit into the "two-story" category, nor the "ranch", nor the bi-level, 4-level, etc. It is simply a unique floor plan (and very very cool, I might add)! We have these specific floor plan comments provided for in a section called "Broker Remarks" so that each agent is aware of the unique floor plan. The problem? This specific floor plan information does not translate or download to these various home search websites. So, the information appears to the general public as inaccurate and we have no way of modifying the information on each individual website. Annoying? Yes. Especially for an OCD, Type-A person like me.
Lately, Dale and I have been working with several buyers - and they all get their primary source of real estate information from websites such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc. Because we do not have the ability to control 100% of the information that is downloaded to each of these sites and because we have no ability to change the information, we simply choose to embrace the positives and do our best to educate our clients on the inaccuracies. Of course, we are constantly searching the MLS database for properties that fit our clients needs. For our buyers, we have automatic searches created that pull all new properties on a daily basis to ensure we do not miss anything that our clients may have interest in. But, we also know that our clients are going to browse homes on their own. And sometimes, they may find something that we did not present to them. So, we simply ask them to email us all of the properties that look appealing to them. And then - we do our homework. We first confirm the availability and current price. We can then do mini-CMA's (comparative market analysis) to ensure the property is priced reasonably within competition, we call the listing agents and inquire about activity, current offer interest, etc. And of course, we confirm showing instructions and set showings on behalf of our client. In our experience, 9 times out of 10, the properties our clients have found online (that are not included in our searches) have either been withdrawn from the market, gone under contract or sold and the information they have found is simply outdated. It's frustrating, but it is a problem that exists and so we deal with it upfront when we begin working with buyers.
We do agree with the crux of this article, but we also acknowledge and understand that buyers in this market place with access to online tools such as these sites will continue to use Zillow, Trulia, Relator.com, etc. And, until the information exchange policies change for each of these sites, we will continue to experience error and misrepresentation. So, our recommendation is to go ahead and continue using them as a tool, but not to rely on them as the totally accurate. And, if there is a property that peaks your interest, please call us - or email us. We will provide you with accurate and complete information quickly!
The other experience we have is that our listings also download into these search sites as well. So…many times we find inaccurate information on the properties we are marketing. We make every effort to get the search sites to correct, but we are not always successful. So, we get the problem on all sides!
Bottom line? These sites are great sources for MOST of the information, but nothing beats a phone call to the source to dig up the accurate information and do a little research!!
Best,
April
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