I’m uncomfortable that we as a county write law only lawyers can understand and that our taxes are so complicated that we need a CPA to prepare our returns. By the same token, I believe real estate listings and information should be available to buyers. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have lawyers or accountants or real estate brokers. It just means that I believe these professionals should bring value to the table with the services they offer rather than limiting the seats at the table to only their own fraternity of professionals.

To that end, if you as a buyer would like to be able to search for properties on your own, I want to help you obtain the best tools to do just that. A real estate agent should be helping you with property purchases, not slowing you down.  So here are some resources for you to look at to access properties for sale and lease.

Before you begin, a note about how real estate agents work… You can always hire any real estate agent of your choosing to represent you. The question is who will pay your agent. If you contact listing agents directly they may establish “procuring cause” and if you then want to be represented by your own agent you may have to pay out of pocket for that representation. If you call me and tell me about a property you are interested in, I will call and establish the relationship (and ask all the right questions on your behalf). Then my services will be paid out of the commission the seller has already agreed to pay so you as the buyer will have me negotiating your deal for you and leading you  through the process at no cost to you.  Bottom line: Look at lots of properties online but call or email me when you have questions or you’d like to tour a property.

www.themls.com

You can log onto the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as a guest and look at most properties for sale. You don’t get all the information I get as a broker / member. The main thing you are missing is the most recently listed properties. The MLS delays providing those listings to the public until after real estate agents first have a chance to see them.

Private Client Website on the MLS

This is a great solution to the access limitations of themls.com. I can give you your own pass code to view residential properties on the MLS (all available properties in your search area and criteria). Just send me an email and let me know that you’d like your own MLS account and I’ll be happy to set it up for you.

www.loopnet.com

Loopnet lists a number of commercial properties both for sale and lease. I have a paid subscription which allows me to see all the listings and input listings from my clients. But you can go on and see a portion of the listings. Many of the listings will be unavailable to you as you browse. Take a look and then feel free to set an appointment with you and I can show you all of what is available through loopnet.

www.zillow.com

For more on my opinions on Zillow take a look at the FAQ page or the NPR story on my Press page.

www.realtor.com

A good source for searching for residential properties nationwide. This is the official site of the National Association of Realtors so it is set up to benefit Realtors. Like themls.com it does not show the most recently listed properties.

www.movoto.com

A website for buyers with real estate listings, neighborhood info and more. Again, the most recent listings will not be included as much of their data comes from the MLS with similar restrictions.