Whenever a client, friend, or family member asks me about real estate, the FIRST tool that I give them as a value-added resource, is Listingbook.

How does it work?

Listingbook has been around for many years. The company made the wise decision to work directly with local MLSs (Multiple Listing Services) throughout the country, giving them direct database access. In other words, when a Realtor changes the status of their listing on the MLS (usually the first place they change anything), it is automatically updated on Listingbook. This highly contested real estate content is restricted from Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com (not to mention most other sites).

Listingbook is not exclusive to Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. It is something that spans many different MLSs throughout the country.

What is Listingbook?

In addition to acting as a database, Listingbook is so much more. I call it a comprehensive search tool - and they specialize in just that, search and everything associated with it. The user (or a Realtor's client), will use this software to create an account that they can then set their ideal search criteria, which is saved. From there, they can seek new property, view past sales of property, and then save their favorites, or eliminate the 'rejects'. The user can also write notes on each property, which can then be viewed by the Realtor. This can be described as a communication tool, as much as a search tool, specifically for real estate transactions.

Probably the most underrated feature is the ability to receive daily updates in your search criteria, making you the expert on what you are looking for. This power makes the client more timely on new listings that the Realtor (unless they look at new changes to the market every hour).

On the Realtor end of the product, we can see what the client is looking at. This makes it easier to make appointments to view properties, allows the Realtor to do additional due diligence, knowing what the buyer is looking at, and has many other benefits.

Great For Sellers Too!

Additionally, though the tool is intended for buyers, it can also provide value to sellers. In this case, a seller can use this tool to follow the market as they try to sell their home, or in advance of doing so. The knowledge they gain, allows them to make more informed decisions when putting their home on the market. The more familiar a seller is with the market, the easier it is for the Realtor to do their job, and get the home SOLD.

In the context of real estate, the Credit Score is a make-or-break factor when it comes to qualifying for financing for a home, or other purchase. Typically, I tell buyers and sellers to be prepared 6 months or more in advance, but when it comes to fixing your credit, a couple of years might be required. Let's talk about credit: