Real Estate and Reston, VA: Listingbook: What is it and Why do I want One?

I am always on the look out for new tools that can make the search for a new home, or information about pricing an existing home, easier for my clients. I have had great luck with automatic emails sent from MRIS.  I work with my clients to determine their exact specifications, set up the search, run it, save it, and set up the automatic email. Whenever there is a new listing meeting their criteria, they get a new email.

There is a new product that makes this process more consumer-driven.  Listingbook is an invitation only product. You must receive an opt-in email from your Realtor. Once you have opted-in, you have the power to set up your own searches--and change them at will.  Even better, a couple can both be part of the same search.  You  decide that you want a  4th bedroom and your spouse sees those new properties  pop up...and so does your  Realtor. 

Here is some of the value I see in this for my clients.

1. Home Search: Obviously, this allows a client to define and refine the search as they learn more about their needs, wants and preferences
2. Home Sale: There is both a science and an art to setting a sales price. The core set of information, however, is recently sold properties, currently active properties and those that have gone under contract.  As a ListingBook user, you have all of the information that you need to understand what your Realtor is telling you about the current value of your property.
3. Long Term Planning: Many of us just like to know what is going on with the real estate values in our area and neighborhood. Maybe you are considering a refinance? You don't want to tell the bank that your home is worth 500K if it is worth 300K. You may be thinking of selling a couple of years down the road; it is never too early to begin the process of educating yourself.
4. Information: The information you see in ListingBook is the same information that we, as Realtors, see in the MRIS MLS system. It is current and it is accurate. That is not true for all of the information you can see on line. I saw yesterday that one of my listings, one that was sold 2 years ago, is still up on Trulia. It is marked correctly, as sold, but it is still showing up when people do searches--I doubt someone who is searching for a new house wants to see one that sold 2 years ago!
5. Just for Fun: Who doesn't want to be 'in the know' about what is going on with real estate in their neighborhood...just think how much more informed you will be at the next neighborhood Pizza night!

I will be looking for your feedback on this product.  I see it as an important new tool for my clients (and friends).  If you have had a chance to use it and have some feedback, I would love to hear it.

If you would like an opportunity to give it a try, please let me know and I will send you and Opt-in email.

(to the right of this post, you should see an opt-in button--you can click on that, as well).