Zillow has a cool new tool called Neighborhood Advice. Dubbed “social home shopping”, Zillow’s Neighborhood Advice feature allows users to ask their friends questions about a neighborhood or area of interest while shopping for homes.
The tool works by utilizing one’s Facebook network and then overlaying those personal connections on a zoomable map of an area of interest. Here’s a map of my Facebook connections (click to enlarge)…
Seeing your personal connections on top of a map of a neighborhood in which you are considering moving opens up opportunities to ask these people any number of questions about the area:
- what’s it like to live there?
- what is within walking distance?
- what’s community/neighbors like?
- what their opinion of safety / crime?
- etc.
Check it out and and let me know what you think. Or, if you’re already using this Zillow feature, has it provided value to you?
James
There must be a shortage of inventory because I’ve been contacted multiple time about all 3 of my properties from realtors asking me if I’m interested in selling.
Interesting times we live in.
Tom
Yeah, James, apparently a larger part of the license-holders are cold-calling these days. I have received numerous calls also. I guess calling from a list is better than just sitting around the office surfing articles on the Internet. I have my secretary screen them out, but unfortunately it does take up her time to listen to the caller.
Mark
Really? I own five rentals and I have not heard a word from any realtors.
James
Mark-
Perhaps it’s because you don’t have a make me move price on your properties? Or maybe investors aren’t interested in them ?