Northwest Multiple Listing Service (WA)
This is (by far) the most heavily used search tool in Washington. Most state real estate
boards belong to the NWMLS and new members are added regularly. Data found here is
likely to be more reliable as there are fewer "middlemen" and data transformations
involved.
Realtor.com®
This is the National Association of Realtors search engine. It connects with most Boards
of Realtors search sites. If you are looking for Washington State properties, the NWMLS
search above is somewhat faster and more consistent.
Redfin.com
In this formulation, you can buy listed property via an online brokerage. You are either
matched with an in-house, salaried agent or referred to an agent whose expertise
matches your requirements. A portion of the sales commission is refunded.
In effect, Redfin is gambling that the 1% commission you pay on the buying side
will cover: agent salaries, marketing, operations, a return on its technology investment,
and result in a profit.
Yahoo.com
This is another real estate search site. In most cases, search results will be similar to
MLS searches for any given area.
Zillow.com
This interesting tool allows you to determine the "value" of your home, or your neighbor's.
Enter an address and, presto, the work's been done for you. Or has it?
In 10 random searches, I found the "value" to be substantially divergent from the
valuations I'd assign, and (in some cases) quite a bit lower than actual recent sales.
Differences ranged from 32% to 65%. I would expect this service to improve accuracy
over time. I do not expect it's accuracy to approach that of a competent real estate
agent with specific neighborhood knowledge and experience.
