How to Protect Yourself From Misinformation When Searching for Homes Online

By Travis Anderson

In 2011, Travis started his career over and began building his own team; a team that has a different look and feel than most teams in the industry; one built SOLELY for the betterment of the client.

How accurate is the information you see on national home-buying websites? If you plan to purchase a home, I’m sure you started with a simple online search. But have you experienced finding a listing you love, only to discover it’s already sold or the price is totally wrong?

Together with Peter Lindquist, the SVP of Mortgage Lending at Rate, we will talk about how big national websites can mislead buyers and show you a better way to find your dream home.

What’s the problem with big real estate websites? Websites like Keller Williams, Remax, and Coldwell Banker are linked to our MLS, so they’re accurate and up-to-date.

However, nationally branded websites don’t communicate directly with us. Instead, it’s more of a one-way push, and updates aren’t sent daily. As a result, sometimes you’re looking at a website where the home has already been sold, or the price has changed without being reflected.

Another challenge is that these large websites aim to attract clicks and collect user information to sell to agents like me. The more misinformation they have, the more likely people will click on their links because they can’t find the correct details elsewhere. Essentially, these websites trick users into giving up their personal information.

While I’m not entirely against these sites because they do offer some value, such as one-click buttons to tax records or mortgage calculators. However, ensuring the accuracy of the information provided requires caution.

What’s the best way to get real-time information when looking for homes? The best way to get immediate and accurate information is by working with a good Realtor. We provide access to the MLS, giving you the same data we use straight from the source. You can set up notifications to receive updates daily, weekly, or even instantly when a new home hits the market.

Don’t be fooled by “MLS Online” because those platforms function just like any other third-party website. For true MLS access, work with a Realtor who can provide it directly.

There’s no consumer-facing platform that matches the accuracy of what we can offer.

While those big national websites can be handy, they often don’t give you a complete or accurate picture. Working with a Realtor who can provide direct access to our database is the best way to ensure you get the right information as you embark on your home-buying journey.

If you’re a homebuyer wondering about your financing options, contact Peter Lindquist at (651) 796-3575 or peter.lindquist@rate.com. For questions about searching for the right property or discussing real estate in general, feel free to call me at (651) 485-6383 or message me at travis.travisandersonteam@gmail.com. We look forward to helping you with your home search!