Finding Real Estate Properties and

Local Realtors on the Internet

With consumers looking more and more to the internet for information, research and answers in general, real estate has become a very active piece of the internet puzzle. If you enjoy the time-saving ease of email communications and researching properties on the internet, here are some helpful tips on narrowing your search.

When searching the internet for sites which contain good detailed property information, more and more sites are providing more extensive pictures than a front or back view, and more than what a limited virtual tour provides which is typically four tours of rooms and/or exterior shots in a 360 degree manner. The larger corporate sites provide automated responses and extensive links to information but may not have exacting local information or responses from a local expert. The local smaller sites may not be as flashy or beefy as the big guys but it may lead you to a local Realtor who can provide you with more detailed community information and experience of that particular market.

If you decide you need a local expert who can provide you with a more personal response and one who can ultimately take you into homes guiding you through the buying or selling process, you may have to scroll beyond the first page or two of search results to find them.

Once you have located a handful of informative sites, big or small, complete the contact pages for buyer or seller, or email directly off of the sites to obtain answers to some specific questions:

1. Can that Realtor provide you with an emailed list of properties matching the criteria you have specified with property details and pictures?

2. Can that Realtor provide you with detailed information on what your neighborhood has been doing by email when considering selling your current home (e.g., a comparative market analysis)?

3. Can that Realtor send and receive documents by email in a readable format?

4. Does that Realtor respond within a reasonable amount of time to your requests (i.e., within 12 hours)?

If these are important communication and information issues to you, you will know which of the Realtors emailed match up well with your needs within a short period of time. Continue to search out the internet for the right Realtor for you who responds in a timely manner and who has the capabilities to convey information in the manner by which you prefer.

It becomes a bit time consuming when maneuvering through the internet for answers, but once you lock into a site and ultimately a Realtor who gives you your answers in a timely manner with the details and formatting you are pleased with, don't waste your time or theirs -- let that Realtor become your sole representative through closing. Show the same respect and loyalty to that Realtor who has spent their time helping you in a form of communication you appreciate that you would expect from them in their representation of your interests. Good luck!

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Your licensed real estate agent cannot give you legal advice. If you have any questions about your legal rights or obligations, you should consult with an attorney.