If you’ve ever searched for a home online and wondered, “Is this house actually still available?” you’re not alone.
Most buyers start their search online, often long before they’re ready to call a Realtor. I think that’s a good thing. Browsing helps you learn neighborhoods, understand prices and figure out what you really want.
Now there’s a new option for Tampa Bay home buyers that I think is worth knowing about.
Search Homes Straight From the Source
Stellar MLS, the multiple listing service used by real estate professionals throughout much of Florida, has launched Stellar MLS Home Search, a public home-search site powered by Cribio (not important, but now you know).
What makes it different?
The listing information comes directly from Stellar MLS and participating MLSs, and Stellar says the data updates every 2.5 minutes on average.
There are also:
- No advertisements
- No paid placement in search results
- No lead marketplace
- No competing agent paying to appear beside someone else’s listing
You can browse homes at your own pace and even search using everyday language instead of trying to figure out exactly which filters to select.
Why Does That Matter to a Buyer Like Me?
Real estate websites can sometimes make it difficult to know exactly who you’re contacting when you click a button asking for more information.
On the public Stellar MLS Home Search site, the listing agent is clearly identified. If you have a question about a property, the inquiry goes directly to that listing agent rather than to an agent who purchased advertising.
But there’s another option that I especially like.
Stellar allows Realtors to provide their clients with a personalized home-search link. If you’re already working with an agent and confirm that relationship, your search can stay connected to your agent.
I’ve already set mine up.
That means if you’re working with me, you can browse independently without losing the connection between your home search and the person who is helping you buy it.
What Can I Search?
The site includes publicly displayed Stellar MLS listings as well as listings from participating MLSs. You can find homes that are Active, Coming Soon and Under Contract, along with rentals and sold properties.
It’s important to know that it does not include For Sale By Owner or other non-MLS properties, so I wouldn’t call it the only home-search tool you’ll ever need.
And that really isn’t the point.
Do I Have to Stop Using Zillow or Other Real Estate Sites?
Absolutely not.
If you enjoy your favorite real estate app, keep using it.
I’m not interested in telling buyers where they have to look for homes. I’m interested in making sure they have good information and understand what they’re looking at.
Think of this as another tool in your toolbox, and one that gives you access to home-search information directly from the MLS without advertising or paid placement influencing the experience.
For buyers who are actively looking, I’ll still create customized searches and use the professional MLS tools available to me. And, more importantly, I’ll help you evaluate the things a search site can’t tell you.
Because finding a house online is the easy part.
Understanding whether it’s the right house, at the right price, under the right circumstances is where professional guidance matters.
Want to Try It?
You can try my personalized Stellar MLS Home Search here:
Search Tampa Bay Homes Straight From the MLS:
https://www.stellarmls.com/homes-for-sale/largo-fl?referrer=260054080
Browse. Get curious. Change your price range. Explore a neighborhood you hadn’t considered.
And when you find something that makes you think, “Wait, what about this one?”
That’s when we talk.