In the past few years Realtors have seen a shift in their savvy clients using the internet to find potential housing. This is often done before a Realtor is even contacted. There are so many websites that you can go to, to find out what houses are available in your chosen area…. But I bet you didn’t know that there are more websites out in cyberspace that you can find out more information to make your hunt a happy one.
Non-Drivers:
www.walkscore.com
This site is a pedestrian’s best friend; whether you never got a drivers license or are sick of draining you savings account to fill your tank. All you do is put in an address and it will score the neighborhood on its foot friendliness.
Drivers:
www.traffic.com
Great site to visit to see find out commute times in real-time traffic conditions. You will also be able to find out about ongoing road construction and can be alerted to nearby traffic hotspots.
Civic Minded:
www.everyblock.com
This virtual town square delivers geographically pertinent news and community information. If you are visiting a city and want to find a good restaurant with a good inspection rating or wanting to know the news books in the city’s library this site is worth checking out.
Politicos:
www.policymap.com
If you desire to be in an area that shares the same political you do this site is for you. This site allows you to search for a politically like-minded block. Also listed are: FBI crime stats, census data, and local property values.
Problem Neighbors:
www.rottenneighbor.com
Get the scoop on any neighbors that are considered non-neighborly in the areas you are considering calling home. Remember depending on the problem, the problem could effect your future property values.
Big-Picture:
www.earth.google.com
Great site that uses satellite images to see what lurks beyond your potential future property line. The aerial view shows major highways, power lines, cell towers, and more pertain information. The Street View feature can rule out any properties across from fire stations and hospitals.
Other Information:
www.teresamharris.com
Excellent site to surf to find out about schools, weather, mortgage rates and payments, Charlotte MLS, and other pertain information about the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas.
Knowlege is power.
Being informed will help you make a wise decision.
Shopping should be fun and without pressure.
About the author:
Teresa Harris is a Lake Norman Residential Real Estate Broker who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Lake Norman and surrounding counties. Please visit www.TeresaMHarris.com for your relocation and/or your local needs.
Teresa Harris - Holbrooks Real Estate, Inc. - 704-458-1807 - Teresa@TeresaMHarris.com
Copyright © 2008 By Teresa Harris, All Rights Reserved...*Real Estate Has Gone Virtual ~ 7 Websites to Help Buyers With Their Searches*
Hi Teresa, Cool site, I love Google Earth.. I am heading to TN shortly, quick trip to do come cabin work, probably only 1 night.. God bless, lunch soon..
Cheryl: Have fun! Yes, lunch sometime soon. I caught a bug yesterday and was feeling horrible, but today is much better. Have a safe trip!
Teresa, you found some very good specialty web sites. Thanks.
Teresa...
I like how you slipped the last one in ...nice!
Teresa.. Number seven is one that I haven't heard of before.. LOL. I like how that one got on the list. Thanks for letting me know about the others.
Gary: Thanks for your comment!
Richard: That's our little secret! No one is suppose to notice that...
Valerie: That's suppose to be a secret! I'm wondering how many more will see that?!?!?!
Teresa,
Thanks for mentioning PolicyMap. A variety of people interested in the real estate industry have found this tool very useful.
Thanks, I bookmarked this. Already love google earth, but the pedestrian one especially sound good.
These are some great sites- I especially like how cleverly you slipped in the last one!