In this article I wanted to dive into the question of whether or not you should use Zillow (or other public websites) instead of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) search with an agent. Getting a targeted search is important to saving you time in searching, and time saved is critical since it's much easier to be burned out in a search that's not expertly put together. Burn out can lead to not being on top of things when the right property becomes available, which can mean another person seeing it, making an offer, and getting under contract before you (sometimes <12 hrs after it hits the market).
Below I'll be going over:
I. Where Public Websites Fall Short
II. Where Public Websites to Find Homes are Helpful
Image here & many others courtesy Zillow
I. Where Public Websites Fall Short:
Reduced Accuracy (i.e. >30% of properties in Hampton Roads listed as "for sale" are actually already under contract with another buyer, while MLS can weed out the majority of those properties)
Reduced Options for Searching
Reduced Details/Features on Property
Flood Zones
Lag Time
Missing Properties
Problematic Features
Missing Buyer Agent Feedback
II. Where Public Websites to Find Homes are Helpful:
In Brief: When to Use Public Websites as Primary or Supplemental Search
Rental Search
For Sale by Owner Properties - #1 Reason to Have 1 or More Separate Searches from Public Websites Going to Supplement MLS Search for Properties for Sale
New Construction Search & Mobile Homes - #2 Reason to have 1 or More Separate Searches from Public Websites Going to Supplement MLS Search
MLS Search Issues: Acreage
Large Coverage Area Crossing Dozens of Counties/Cities & >5 MLS
Working with Low-Quality Buyer's Agents
Working with an Agent Outside Their Primary Coverage Area
Certain Integrated Features
Other Specialized Searches Not Possible in MLS & Possible Only on Unique Public Websites You Probably Never Heard Of
Some MLS Portals are Better than Others
Related: