Must Have Real Estate Tools for Home Buyers

Realtor.com statistics show that 86% of home buyers begin their home search online.  There is a proliferation of real estate tools on the Internet.  Using the right tools can save you time and help you to find the home of your dreams.  I’ve listed ten must have tools for your real estate search.  Using them effectively will help your real estate search go smoothly for you.

1. Facebook – See if your REALTOR®, is on Facebook.  Many REALTORS® use this tool to communicate with clients, convey important news about the industry and showcase property.  This is a great way for home buyers to keep close to your REALTOR’S® real estate activity.
2. Twitter – Another social networking site your REALTOR® may use and can help keep you informed with real estate activity in your area.
3. Phone Apps – Many of the mega sites such as Trulia and Zillow have created apps for the iPhone to help you with your real estate search.  Look at all the apps available.  Some of the better known aren’t necessarily the highest rated apps.  Doing a search now, I find Redfin scores higher in review ratings.
4. ActiveRain – The social networking site for REALTORS®.  A great place to find a REALTOR® and find homes for sale in your area.  Visit ActiveRain.com.
5. Trulia – Mega website that is complete with advice, tools and listings.
6. MLS Listings -  The most accurate way to receive current listings of homes for sale in the area.  Many times we have had clients call about listings from the bigger websites and found the listing to be old and no longer available.  Get current listings here.
7. Zillow is one of the mega real estate website great for mortgage calculators, advice and community information.
8. Realtor.com is the official site of the National Association of REALTORS®.  The most informative and knowledgeable site from the industry leaders of Real Estate.  Find your home value, finance calculators, Home Buyers Guide and more.
9. Books – A huge book reader myself, there are a wealth of books for home buyers.  No matter what your topic of interest, credit repair, first time home buyer, etc. there is a book for you.  We have a few book recommendations from Amazon on our blog site.  Be sure to check them out.
10. BloggingJupino.com – Our blog provides local real estate and community information.  If you are interested in buying a home in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta or Juno Beach, bookmark BloggingJupino.com for in depth real estate, community information and news.

Find which tools work best for you.  You may find a couple that you work with most and stick with them.  You may find other tools or websites not listed here that work better for you.  It only helps you if you use it.  Let us know if you find another cool and fabulous tool by commenting below.  We’d like to hear back from you – your feedback is important to us!