Regional Real Estate Websites

Besides large, national sites there are many smaller regional sites. State multiple listing services and realty associations often have Web sites that offer more listings. A keyword search within a search engine using "multiple listing service" and your state will bring up a list of these types of Web sites. You may also find useful Web sites posted by individual realtors who have links into the regional MLS system.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Web sites
Salebyowner.com, Forsalebyowner.com, and a number of regional "for sale by owner" sites all offer another arena for your home search. With or without a realtor, you can search these sites for homes in your area. Owner contact information is provided for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

Virtual Real Estate Agents
These sites often offer the services of a real estate agent with lower commission fees for sellers and rebates for buyers. They can offer many of the same search functions as other online real estate pages, but for example also offer a $1500 payment to the buyer at escrow. They provide you with search tools and a tracking system to keep up with homes you are looking at and also provide live agents in your local area to help you out. The main benefit of these types of companies is primarily to the seller. They save money by paying lower commissions. With eHomes, they also have the choice of the level of marketing they want for their home (i.e., the amount they pay drops when less marketing is done).