I checked out some of the tools available for consumers to search for and list homes for sale, and must say that some of them are interesting. Sites like oodle, propsmart, and trulia all provide interesting interfaces to look for properties, and in many cases post ads for properties for free. Of course, its impossible to mention online classifieds without saying something about craigslist.org, which allows you to post for and search homes for sale for free.

I have no problem with these search engines (we’ve had success selling things on craigslist, and we usually advertise listings on at the owners permission), but you should remember:

1. A great majority of these properties are most likely already on the MLS
2. By exclusively searching for homes with these sites, you won’t see all the homes available
3. By posting on these sites, even if you manage these multiple listings on different sites, and struggle to provide info for potential sellers and keep your listing fresh, you still aren’t getting the exposure you would get from the MLS
4. Although the integrated google maps feature is pretty cool on some of these sites, the search engines aren’t nearly as powerful as the ones available to me

I don’t oppose buyers utilizing the internet for searching for homes for sale, and don’t oppose sellers trying to sell their homes on these sites. I do think you should use a Realtor® for your transactions. Many brokers such as IBR offer a free MLS search right on their website, and I can automatically set you up to receive listings within your criteria. In addition, I can manage and market your homes on these same sites.

Remember that Realtors® provide many more services than finding and advertising homes.