Searching for Miami real estate listings using online syndicated sites is a great way to start looking at properties to get a feel for what you can get for your money.  But when you get down to super serious buying mode, I wouldn’t rely on this method 100%.

First, I should explain how it works.  When I take a new listing for a seller, I enter it into our MLS database.  If I have buyers (or other agents have buyers) set up on the MLS automatic updates directly within our MLS system, those buyers who are looking for a property that is similar to the property I am adding to the MLS,  will be be notified of the new listing as soon as it hits the market (or how they want to be notified, our buyers are immediately).

From there the listing gets syndicated to other online listing sites.  Sometimes these sites can take time to update (I have heard anywhere from 24 hours plus).

The timing depends on the site.

..but I would say if I have a buyer set up directly inside the MLS, they have a better chance of snatching up a good deal as soon as it hits the market versus a buyer just relying on syndicated site listing updates.

Also, there is something to be said for the outdated listings and the properties already under contract not yet updated.  Of course this starts directly from inside our MLS and agents not updating their own listings (which is another story) but imagine with a third party involved and the time delay, the inaccuracies that can present themselves.  Short sales are notorious for being listed as active for a long time when in fact they are already under contract and since it can take days for some of the sites to syndicate back and forth to each other, timing and “real” market knowledge is not always as accurate as using a real person.

Our buyers are set up inside the MLS on automatic updates and are updated as soon as a listing hits the market.   They are also set up to be  notified when a property goes under contract, new pictures are added or the property is sold.

Plus if we are actively working with a buyer, we have our finger on the pulse of what they are want and since we do it day in and day out, we know the “real” inventory.  By working a very small area, we know the inventory very well.   Often I already know if a property is not available and can inform the buyer versus someone not working with a buyer’s agent and keeping the listing in their active inventory.

Now, don’t think that I am suggesting to not use these sites at all……..  rather I think a buyer should “mix it up” a little.  However, if a buyer is not using an experienced buyer’s agent in Miami, I think that they are really missing the boat.

Of course you would say that, you are an agent.

Yes, I am.  But to me it kind of makes sense.  Like the old saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm or the best deal”.

Copyright © By Jamey Prezzi* All Rights Reserved* Searching for Miami Real Estate Listings & Online Listings… How accurate are they?

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