Classified Ads for Property
If you’re searching for information on real estate classifieds, then you may be ready to enter the thrilling and often nerve-racking world of home ownership. While the process can be an arduous one, having access to classified ads will allow you to quickly make a survey of a given area to determine if any of the properties there meet your needs (and price range).
In addition to quality sites for real estate classified ads, we’ll examine what the average ad contains. And for those of you who sell or rent real estate, we’ll also discuss a few of the leading products when it comes to real estate classifieds software.
What to Expect from Classified Ads for Homes
Whether you’re opening up the Sunday edition of the newspaper or searching for an online real estate site, here are some of the things you can expect to find in classified ads for potential homeowners:
- Price – The cornerstone of any real estate classified ad, the price lets you know how much you’ll have to pay to get the property.
- Age – How old the home is. Newer homes should be relatively free of problems, while older models may require some fixing up.
- Photos – One of more pictures of the property from various sides and angles.
- Square Feet – The overall dimensions of the home. This is especially important if you’re moving with your family or plan on having one in the future.
- Multiple Listing Service – Also known as an MLS, this number allows real estate brokers representing sellers to share information with real estate brokers representing buyers.
- Beds – The number of beds in the house.
- Baths – The number of bathrooms in the house.
- Contact Agent – The realtor you need to contact in order to set up a viewing and possibly purchase the home.
- Location – The city the property is located in, as well as the physical address.
It should be noted that not every real estate classified ad will contain all of the above information, while some will include additional details.
Where to Find Classified Ads
- Yahoo Real Estate – A massive website dedicated to helping folks find a home in any price range. You can search for houses by city, state, or zip code, as well as price range and number of bedrooms or bathrooms. Information about neighborhoods around the country is provided, plus the Find a Realtor feature allows you to find someone to sell you a home. National mortgage rates are listed, plus article on how to refinance your home, increasing the property value, and how escrow works.
- Newspaper Classified Ads – While it may not be as exciting as searching online, major newspapers still have a massive section devoted to classified ads for real estate.
- Online Classifieds – Sites such as Craigslist will include homes among their classified ads, but there are also many sites specializing in buying and selling property. An increasing number of realtors have an online presence, an you can frequently take virtual tours of homes from the comfort of your current residence.
- Magazines – In addition to standard newspapers, you can also find free real estate classified ads in a magazine format. These can often be picked up for free inside the entry area of local businesses, while those willing to pay a subscription fee can read periodicals devoted to everything from mortgage banking to farms and ranches for sale.
Real Estate Classifieds Software
Most people seek out real estate classified ads to find property, but what about those in the business of selling homes? There are a number of real estate classifieds software available on the market, and these allow real estate agents to print flyers, keep track of clients, and even post reminders to take up for-sale signs. Here are three of the best:
- iRealty – This web-based real estate software package allows real estate agencies and independent realtors alike to create their own eye-catching websites. The standard edition of the software costs in the $450 range, and it’s available in languages ranging from Greek to Slovenian (over 14 in all). Other features include: SEO optimized web browsing, the ability to compare listings, user data import, multiple photos and videos per listing, PayPal integrated, and the ability to post everything from polls to news articles.
- Realty Juggler – Compatible with Windows, Macintosh, iOS, and Android, this software is designed for the busy real estate professional on the go. A 12-month subscription is $99, although you can test out the product by ordering a 90-day free trial. Here are a few of the many features available: track clients and upcoming showings, over 250 form letters, secure online information sharing, automated task reminders, four different real estate calculators, and 49 PDF flyer templates. I also like the fact that the subscription cost is locked in and won’t increase over time.
- Property Minder – If you’re a real estate agent looking to grow your business through the power of the Internet, check out this site devoted to real estate website design. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial and test out features such as: interactive Google Map searching, email marketing campaigns, online visual tours, flyer designs, and comparable market analysis.
Real estate classifieds can come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny classified ads in the local newspaper to sprawling websites packed with available properties. But no matter what form they take, real estate classifieds are dedicated to one common goal: helping you find and buy the home of your dreams.