Searching for Miami Real Estate Listings & Online Listings… How accurate are they?

Searching for Miami real estate listings using online syndicated sites is a great way to start looking at properties to get an idea for what you can get for your money. But when you are really closed of start priviewng the properties, I wouldn’t rely on this method 100%.

First, I need to explain how everything works. When I take a new listing for a seller, I enter it into our MLS database. If I have buyers (or other agents have buyers) set up on the MLS automatic updates directly from our MLS database, those buyers who are looking for a property that is similar to the property I am adding to the MLS, will be be notified of the new listing as soon as it hits the market (or how they want to be notified, our buyers are immediately).

From there the listing gets syndicated to other online real estate related sites. Sometimes these sites can take some time to update (I have even heard anywhere from 24 hours plus).

The timing depends on the site.

..but I would say if I have a buyer set up directly inside the MLS, they have a best chance of finding up a good deal as soon as it hits the market versus a buyer just relying on syndicated site listing updates.

Also, there is something to be said for the outdated listings and the properties already under contract not yet updated and sitting in our database. Of course this starts directly from inside our MLS and agents not updating their own listings (which is another story) but imagine with a third party involved and the time delay, the inaccuracies that happens. Short sales are known for being listed as active lisitngs for a long time when in fact they are already under contract and since it can take days for some of the sites to syndicate back and forth to each other, timing and “real” market knowledge is not always as accurate as using a real person.

We always set up our buyers inside the MLS on automatic updates and they get updates as soon as a listing hits the market. They are also set up to be notified when a property goes under contract, new pictures are added or the property is sold, any kind of activity.

Plus if we are actively working with a buyer, we have our finger on the pulse of what they are want and since we do it day in and day out, we know the “real” inventory. By working a niche area, we know the inventory very well. Often I already know if a property is not available and can inform my buyer versus someone not working with a buyer’s agent and keeping the listing in their active inventory.

Now, don’t think that I am saying not to ever use these sites at all…….. rather I think a buyer should “mix it up” a little. However, buyer should be using an experienced buyer’s agent in Miami, otherwise they could be really missing the boat.

Of course you would say that, you are an agent.

Yes, I am. But to me it kind of makes sense. Like the old saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm or the best deal”.

Copyright © By Jamey Prezzi* All Rights Reserved* Searching for Miami Real Estate Listings & Online Listings… How accurate are they?