Trulia and Zillow Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero Florida – What’s wrong with using them to search for homes?

Many buyers are familiar with the big search portals Zillow and Trulia. Inevitably we run into buyers that have used these two sources to search homes for sale in our area. It’s easy to see why buyers find their way onto Trulia and Zillow while searching for homes. Both sites have plenty of engineers working to be sure that when you run a Google search for “Homes for Sale” in your area that they are likely to show up on the first page of the search results. Here’s a quick read for homebuyers searching for homes.
Search South Florida MLS Listings Here

One question we often hear from home buyers:

“What website should I use when looking for homes?”

Why is this even important?

“Can’t I just pick a site that feels best & go with it?”

No, and here’s why.

Where do all of these listings come from in the first place?

By far, the largest source of listing data in the United States comes from local MLS boards. An area’s MLS is a sort of repository for brokerage listings. The MLS’ function is mainly to provide one place for all of the agents that are its members to see the inventory of homes listed for sale. Listing agents place all of the property’s information along with pictures, listing price, etc into the MLS so that other members can help sell their client’s listing. The MLS provides the rules for co-brokerage also, setting the terms for how cooperating brokerages sell each others properties.

Over time local MLS boards have agreed to share bits and pieces of their data in order to help consumers find homes on the internet. Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com are the three largest sites that received (note the past tense) data indirectly from our local MLS, but there are many more.

So what’s the problem?
If you actively use either Trulia or Zillow in Southwest Florida area, know that you can no longer depend on them for accurate data. Active listing inventory is no longer reliable and you’re liable to miss a deal. Some brokerages still feed Zillow and Trulia their data, but many do not. Many homes you might find on these sites could well be under contract or even sold. Also, new listings coming on the market may not show up on Zillow and Trulia, and if they do there could be a significant delay.

What should I do?

Find a Website with IDX. IDX is a protocol allowing site owners to display MLS data directly. Using an IDX site ensures that you will have access to the most accurate data available. The minute a new property is listed in the MLS, it shows up on sites with IDX. Zillow and Trulia do NOT have IDX.

Also, find a mobile responsive site This keeps you from having to use one site on your laptop and another one on your smartphone or tablet.

South Florida MLS Search

Try our sites out for a test run. We are both mobile responsive and contain an IDX feed.

Both websites not only have IDX feeds, but the IDX we use is a product of the same provider that serves all of the Southwest Florida Area. You can easily register and see exactly the same views that the agents see! Both are also mobile-friendly.

Most importantly, the updates are instant! The second a new listing hits the MLS, it will show up on our site. No 1 or 2 day delays.

Most Accurate MLS Property Search

One reason Zillow and Trulia have been so successful with the public due to their easy to use interface. However the IDX provider we use gives these sites a run for their money, with big pictures, links to satellite maps, extensive search criteria, and more.

Give us a try! We hope you enjoy!

Search Southwest Florida Homes!