The Internet has changed the way we shop, bank and arrange travel.
And it is changing the way we buy and sell homes. If you’re considering a move, you’ll find a wealth of resources online.
Compare home values. If you’re considering selling your house, start by finding its value. Sites like Zillow (zillow.com), Trulia (trulia.com) and Domania domania.com) can help.
Price trends let you see how the market has changed over the past few months or years. The sites also compare your home to sales of similar houses in the area. These numbers are a good starting point, but consult an agent to determine the current market condition and optimum asking price.
Home values are helpful when choosing a new neighborhood. These sites show the average home value by neighborhood or ZIP code, which helps you to focus your search in areas in your price range.
Not sure you’re ready to sell? Zillow’s Make Me Move feature lets you specify your ideal selling price.
You’re under no obligation, and, technically, your house isn’t on the market. You just name your price and hope someone will take you up on your offer.
Search real estate listings. There are plenty of listings online. Many Realtors provide access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) via their sites or through Realtor.com.
You’ll also find listings on Zillow, Trulia and Yahoo’s real estate site
(realestate.yahoo.com). Just specify the type of house you want. Include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and your price range.
Listings are plotted on an interactive map. You’ll see exactly where a house is located. Many listings include pictures. There are also vital details such as the year built and lot size.
Find a bargain. Maybe you’re buying your first house. Or maybe you have a tight budget. You can find bargains online.
Finding foreclosures used to be difficult. But now you can learn about foreclosures and bid on them online. You may be able to buy a house for 50 percent of its value.
RealtyTrac (realtytrac.com) and Bargain Network (bargain.com) list properties under foreclosure. These sites offer free seven-day trials. You must pay to use the service after that.
RealtyTrac charges $50 a month; Bargain Network charges $40.
When you register, you’ll find the exact address of the properties.
You can also learn more about the auction dates and estimated bidding.
There are more than foreclosures. The federal government lists houses at USA.gov. Most of these are HUD homes being sold by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Don’t forget about tax deed sales. You pay a homeowner’s delinquent taxes, in addition to fees. In exchange, you are granted ownership.
Visit your state’s website to see if it lists tax sales. Don’t confuse tax deed sales with tax lien sales, though.
In a tax lien sale, you buy the right to collect on the tax lien. Ultimately, you could take ownership of the house, but this is not guaranteed.
Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
