The Problem with Zillow and Other Home Search Sites

Looking to buy or sell a home in Athens, Georgia? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home,click here for a FREE Home Price  Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (706) 621-6085 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Many people are unaware of the difference between the MLS and websites like Zillow and Trulia. There are a few things you should know about these sites before you begin searching for a home.

A long time ago, when brokers first started selling real estate, they were on their own and worked to connect buyers and sellers the best that they could. There was no rhyme or reason to how they did it and there was no process they followed. Eventually, brokers got together and agreed that sharing information was a great way to get a lot more business.

Eventually, this partnership evolved to the point that there was an MLS book that was published once a week or once a month with every available listing. After some time, this service moved online and became the MLS we know today. It allows agents to post a lot more photos and descriptive information, and makes sharing listings between brokers a whole lot easier.

Once the Internet became the primary source of information, various other home search sites popped up, including Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. Brokers then began to share information with these sites as well as the MLS in order to give their listings more exposure.

The problem with these sites is the data feed. They are often inaccurate and outdated, as they do not get the same kind of close attention that the MLS does. To get accurate information, you're much better off talking directly to an agent who has full access to the MLS than you are using a third-party site.

If you want to browse homes on our MLS, visit AthensAreaHomeSearch.com. Or, just give us a call and let us know exactly what you're looking for. A few times, we've helped clients find the right home before they were even put on the MLS. It gives you a distinct advantage to work with us, as we'll hook you up with homes that aren't yet listed! Give us a call anytime. We're always here to help!

Quick Tips to Protect Your Athens Home This Winter

Looking to buy or sell a home in Athens, Georgia? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home,click here for a FREE Home Price  Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (706) 621-6085 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Today, we'll offer tips on how to winterize your home.

First off, if you have a vacant property, you need to think about whether or not to keep the water on. This could especially concern a vacation or investment property, for example. If the water is on, make sure the heat is on so that the pipes don't freeze. Pipes in the basement or exterior walls need to be properly insulated.

However, even if you leave the heat on to protect your pipes, keep in mind that the power could go out as well. We recommend you winterize any vacant house. Most home inspectors can do this for around $100. They come out and drain pipes, put antifreeze in traps, and turn the water off.

Now, when it comes to the house you live in, make sure that the heating system is serviced before you need to use it. Insulate outside pipes to avoid water damage. Keep firewood, batteries, flashlights, and candles handy in case the power goes out.

If you have any questions about preparing your home for winter or about real estate in general, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Who Are The New Agents?

Looking to buy or sell a home in Athens, Georgia? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home,click here for a FREE Home Price  Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (706) 621-6085 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Now that the market is improving, we're seeing a lot of new Realtors and agents coming into the business. The sad reality is that most of these agents won't be in the business one or two years from now. Why is that?

My opinion is that new agents need training and support, and there's a lot of basics that they don't get with certain brokerages. Make sure you get an expert - don't just hire a friend or family member to support their new business.
 

I want to see agents be successful, but they need training and support. If you know anyone who is just thinking about entering the business, have them contact me. I can certainly help them out and make sure they get what they need in order to stay in this business.

I've learned over the years that if you work hard and put in the hours, you'll be successful; there's enough business to go around. I'd much rather cooperate with a knowledgeable agent than someone who has not been properly trained.

If you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!