How to Shop for a Home on the Web

[A corrected post:]
Here's an informative post regarding how a buyer should search for homes on the web based on MLS listings. As related in that post, some search engines limit themselves only to "active" listings and do not display listings for properties sold but "Subject to Inspection" (i.e. "Offer STI"). A good search engine includes both, so that a prospective buyer gets a better understanding of houses that ARE available as well as those within the buyer's price range that are now off the market (at least pending the results of the inspection). So, while "Offer STI" listings will not necessarily help you find your perfect house today, it will educate you as to houses you can buy in the future if you are able to quickly find them and make an offer.

Given the advantage associated with finding a home as soon as it is on the market (or at least listed on the MLS), the best advice is buried deep in the post: use a search engine that is RSS-feed enabled. In brief, RSS allows a web page to alert a user when new content has been added. Thus, by using a search engine that offers an RSS feed, you can be alerted to a new home just as soon as it hits the market. If it's the "perfect" home, you can then make an offer right away before some else does so.

The search engine at Rain City Guide shows "Offer STI" listings, and more importantly it offers an RSS feed. Of course, given that I'm a big fan of FSBO, I suggest you find your home using a search engine and then give me a call -- I can help you make an offer on the home and save money in the process.