There are a number of websites available that allow the public to search for properties currently listed for sale. Many of these websites belong to real estate agents (take my website, for example). Some belong to real estate brokerages (check out my brokerage's site here). And then there are sites like Zillow.com (in the states) and Zoocasa.com (here in Canada).
Probably the best known and most widely used of these public sites is Realtor.ca (formerly mls.ca). If you've used the site before, you know that it does have some limitations... Having said that, a handful of useful upgrades to the site were released on November 29th.
This upgraded version has new features and tools that allow users to customize their searches and find what they want faster.
The new interface’s features include:
- Collapsible panels on the map search. The previous map search was divided into three parts: search criteria on the left, the map in the centre, and property thumbnails on the right. In the new interface, users are able to collapse either the left or right panels to allow for a larger map.
- Drawing search areas on the map. In a manner similar to TorontoMLS, users are now able to draw shapes on the map to refine the geographic area that is of interest to them.
- Auto-sizing for high definition monitors. The REALTOR.ca interface now changes its size based on the resolution of the user's monitor, eliminating white space that appears on the periphery of high definition screens.
What do you think of the new upgrades? Are there other improvements that you'd still like to see?
If you’re thinking of making a move and would like to know how I can help, feel free to contact me for more info.