Whether you're buying or selling a house - or just curious about the market - some popular websites make it easy to get instant information.
Consumer Reports recently test-drove Realtor.com, Trulia, Zillow and Redfin. The editors say any of these sites can be very helpful, but they point out that because the sites use different Multiple Listing Services, you won't get a complete picture of the market by using just one.
"You may see different properties on different sites," said senior editor Tobie Stanger.
All of the services are free, so Consumer Reports recommends that you try them all.
"You could set up searches in each one of these sites for what you're looking for and get email or texts or updates," Stanger suggested.
These sites make it easier to find out how much your house is worth. All you have to do is type in your address. Based on its research, Consumer Reports advises that you "be skeptical" when using these price valuation tools.
"We found really wide variation in pricing depending on the site," Stanger told me. "If you really want a good price, you are probably better off asking a realtor because that realtor will really know your area best."
More Info: Real Estate Websites Review: Virtual House Hunting
