There are a variety of opportunities in the Austin Real Estate Market for both buyers and sellers. If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.
Most of you have probably heard of Trulia and Zillow. They are 2 of the most popular online home search sites and 98% of home buyers start their searches online. Our opinion on these sites is that while they are great places to begin your home search, they have a lot of downsides that many people aren't aware of. We'd just like to take a moment to educate you on the subject so you can make a better decision for your next home.
For starters, these sites use algorithms to determine home values that don't take into account all the necessary components. They don't include location, neighborhood characteristics like parks, schools, and nearby businesses. Without taking these things into account, the property valuation may be way off. If there were 2 identical houses, one in a nice neighborhood and one on a cliff, these sites would value them the same, although we all know that selling a home perched on top of a cliff is going to be a lot more difficult.
Another thing that these sites don't take into account with their valuations is home improvements. All the remodels, upgrades, and improvements you have made to your house are not taken to account in any "Zestimate."
It's important, if you are thinking of buying or selling in the Austin market, to get connected with a local real estate professional. A professional agent can take into account all of the local characteristics to get a true value for your home. Zillow, and Tulia get their information from agents, so by contacting an agent directly, you are going to the source with the most accurate and up-to-date info available.
