From time to time, Diane has asked what other real estate sites we lay folks use for research, and has asked for comments on her MLS site (many of which have been implemented). And many of us have voiced disappointment (outrage?) at the level of MLS access we mere mortals have.
Well, I ran into an agent whose site is doing it right. Mitch Argon Of CalNeva Realty down in Minden has created a site with unprecedented access to MLS data, as well as a lot of other cool features. I’m still learning my way around the site, but here are some things I really like:
– You can search a wide variety of regions – Reno, Sparks, Tahoe, Carson, Minden, etc.
– You can search homes for sale in specific school districts.
– You can search foreclosure / short sales (would love to see these as separate categories).
– You can sort by price or listing date (some of the old listings are pretty funny).
– You can search the 25 latest listings.
– Listings include sales status.
– New Homes search connects to all the developers’ web sites.
– You can search builders’ standing inventory.
– Addresses and prices of sold homes are posted monthly.
– You can search by date built. This handy feature allowed me figure out a stat that has been elusive – over 8% of Reno Sparks MLS listings are now builder listings.
It seems the level of access to MLS data is determined by the individual agents for their web sites. In an era when you still have to register for some sites, others don’t even give addresses, and most veil the available information, I have to give Mitch a lot of credit for giving the consumer what they want. Check out his site – I’m sure he would like to hear your feedback. And Mitch, if you are reading this, we would love to learn what your strategy is all about.
Any other cool, hip resources out there?
NAS
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/business/2007_BUYRENT_GRAPHIC.html?
Fun to play with.
Mitch Argon
Mike – thanks for reviewing some of the features on my site. – Mitch
smarten
Mitch –
Like the idea but it really DOESN’T work for Incline Village/Crystal Bay. For instance, your MLS search tool only shows 191 MLS listings in Incline Village. There are currently well over 400! Can you remedy the problems so as to provide full MLS access? Thanks.
Gina
I thought the MLS is a monopoly and that agents are not allowed to give the public access to it? So are agents like Mitch renegades?
DERRICK
where is the mls for the people? you know the one where we can list our properties, market them, and ultimately sell them!
No need for realtors! what a novel idea!!
NAS
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/31/business/yourmoney/31money.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=d49e088bd8d80874&ex=1212811200&emc=eta1
Saturday Night Live could do something very funny with this.
Paul
http://www.inman.com/news/2008/05/28/industry-reacts-doj-vs-nar-settlement-proposal
The US Department of Justice tentatively settled a lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors regarding barriers to public access of MLS sites. The settlement should provide consumers with greater access to a wider range of MLS data, including pending, sold, and withdrawn listings.
billddrummer
Mike, I agree. I think it’s the best site around for local RE info.