First of all, there are groups or categories of real estate companies Likewise the real estate websites and types that favors the individual based on the agreement between the two parties, therefore you can easily reach out to the estate companies or agencies through their websites, there also you can see their works and activities they render to their clients. In as much as we are interested in good quality real estate website, you should also know that it will be good to work with real estate agents or brokers who are honest, trustworthy, and reliable.
Some Real Estate websites
- Zillow
- Realtor.com
- Trulia
- Foreclosure.com
- Apartments.com
- FSBO.com
- Homes for Heroes
- CENTURY 21 Real Estate
- Coldwell Banker Realtors
- RE/MAX
- HomeFinder
- Craigslist
- PropertyRecord.com
Understanding the basics of Real Estate Websites
So, basically, what are those websites? I’m so glad you asked because I’ve got a list of favorites below for you to read and know them.
They’re designed to generate leads but they don’t use invasive pop-ups or demand visitors give up an email address to access the content. However, they are calm and available whenever the visitor is ready to get in touch at any time.
Real estate websites know the best form of marketing is education therefore, they provide information to help potential buyers and sellers.
If you are in the real estate business or making use of real estate, then you must know the importance of a quality realty website.
A 2017 survey by the National Association of Realtors® reported 51% of buyers found their homes on the internet, 30% found homes through an agent, and 7% discovered find their home through a yard sign or open house.
From that record, this should tell you that: if you’re selling a house in 2018, you don’t just need to be on the internet, you need to be on the right real estate websites.
Real estate websites are attracting so many check-ins every month because they are adding value for both buyers and sellers.
Another good benefit is that buyers can preview hundreds of homes within a few hours from the comfort of their couch.
Detail explanation of some Real Estate websites
Here is the list of things you need to know about this review:
1. Zillow (https://www.zillow.com/)
Zillow was founded in 2006 by two former Microsoft executives.
The property status information updates between two and 24 hours after the database has been notified of certain changes. Sellers can, however, make changes to some listing details that will show up within minutes, and the app and website refresh every 15 minutes.
Zillow sources postings from both the MLS and non-MLS and then offer quality tools for buyers, sellers, landlords, renters, agents, and other home professionals.
Pros (Real Estate websites)
- Extensive criteria sorting
- Links to get pre-qualified financing
- Largest database of over 110 million properties
- Volumes of “how-to” guides about home buying and selling
- A suite of mobile apps so you can do your research anywhere
Cons (Real Estate websites)
- Aside from the listing agent, the other agents listed on the property record may not know anything about the home
- Realtors and lenders pay for leads on the site; if you don’t want to engage with agents, be careful about filling out on-site forms
2. Realtor.com (https://www.realtor.com/)
Realtor.com launched in 1996 and the site is now operated by Move, Inc., a subsidiary of News Corporation (NWS).
The app and website are free to buyers and renters, also Realtor.com earns money primarily through advertising fees.
The app updates listings every time, the app also allows you to search for homes, view pictures and video tours, and even compare neighborhoods.
Realtor.com has the best reputation among realtors and most importantly, they do not mislead their clients about the home value and property status.
Finally, the app has 260,000 reviews in the Google Play store that give it an average rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
- Easy to search all listed homes in a school district.
- Links to get pre-qualified financing and financial calculators for both buyers and sellers.
- Robust “find a realtor” feature.
Cons
- No option to search “for sale by owner”.
- Fewer research and advice articles than other sites.
- No option for home sellers to list their property for sale.
3. Trulia (https://www.trulia.com/)
Trulia’s app has over 206,000 reviews on the Android platform with a rating of 4.6 stars, In the Apple Store, more than 1 million users give a rating of 4.8 stars.
The app (Trulia) is Founded in 2004 Trulia has created a website and mobile app, the app is powerful, simple, and easy to use makes it our choice for the best mobile app.
The website refreshes data in the app every 15 minutes, however, having the accuracy of the data is still only as good as what goes into it.
The app is free for users and they earn revenue through advertising. Trulia, purchased by Zillow for $2.5 billion in 2015, has the power of the largest real estate website behind it.
The website is of good quality because they have multiple map views for each property plotted on a map that shows areas, places to shop and eat, schools, people stats.
Pros (Real Estate websites)
- Hearty “local info” available on website and app
- Personalized alerts for your criteria
Cons (Real Estate websites)
- Need to sign in or register to save your search criteria
- No option for home sellers to list their property for sale
4. Foreclosure.com (https://www.foreclosure.com/)
The app is free to use, but its full features are reserved for people who have paid the monthly subscription fee for the website.
Foreclosure.com was founded in 1999 by a team of real estate professionals and software developers who wanted to create a one-stop-shop.
The Apple app has only 38 user ratings, and the average rating is 1.5 and comes with its own set of rules that frighten many people away.
Their data is updated daily directly from the tax rolls, government agencies, and notices of the lenders’ legal actions.
They focus on the tutorial videos, articles, and checklists on the website to walk people through the process of finding a home at a discount.
Finally, another good unique feature is the ability to search for homes listed as “Rent-to-Own.”
Pros
- “How-to” articles, tutorial videos, and checklists on the process of purchasing a foreclosure
- More than 750,000 foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, bankruptcy, and tax lien listings nationwide
- Search criteria include shadow inventory, sheriff sales, rent-to-own, city-owned properties, and more
- The Document Center contains links for a title search on a property and other required forms
Cons
- 7-day free trial period requires a credit card to sign up.
- The monthly fee is $39.80.
- The app is poorly rated because it does not update as frequently as the website.
5. Apartments.com (https://www.apartments.com/)
The site’s revenue comes from advertising fees, and by charging renters $24.99 (plus tax) to apply for up to 10 rentals within One month.
Apartments.com was founded in 1992 and later purchased by CoStar Group (CSGP) in 2014 and is one of the best commercial real estate research companies in the US.
The app on Google Play has over five million downloads and more than 31,000 reviews that give it an average user rating of 4.6 stars.
The apartment site may show pictures, 3D tours, floor plans, availability dates, current rent specials, and added expenses such as parking if applicable.
Pros (Real Estate websites)
- Not just apartments; houses, condos, and townhouses, too
- Large library of easy-to-digest articles for every phase of your renting experience
- Mobile app with search and built-in “Apply Now” feature
- Search by more than just geography, for example, search “Pet-Friendly Apartments”
Cons (Real Estate websites)
- “What’s Nearby” maps are very good, but missing “crime” stats
- Some user frustrations with sorting capability and updates
- It costs $24.99 plus tax for up to 10 applications in a 30-day period
FSBO.com (https://fsbo.com/)
FSBO.com has a packaged offering that includes an option to list on the MLS and real estate websites including Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor, etc.
The website offers ample information to guide you through the selling process especially if you’re not a trained real estate agent.
Pros
- Easy-to-find price plan offers an MLS listing and syndication on real estate websites
- Search for professional services in your state to support both buyer and seller
- Partners with Foreclosure.com for searchable access to foreclosure inventory
Cons
- Less property information than the traditional broker listing sites
- Fewer search and sort criteria
- No mobile app
See More: Real Estate Licensing in the US