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Answers (8)
- Marla Cruickshank, "Marla Cruickshank"
- Contributions:55
Good points.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21466
Yes, I would consider a "second unit" a huge thing for a listing agent to "miss" on the home description.
Of course one doesn't know what the agent means without opening the home details page and reading the copy! The filtering is only somewhat useful if someone is going to follow up by looking at the details.
And even then, a lot of agent put in fluff that has no real meaning nor association to reality. Even photos can be misleading. Even satellite aerial views and drive by street views can be misleading. At some point, a site visit is required if one is still interested in the potential property.
Of course one doesn't know what the agent means without opening the home details page and reading the copy! The filtering is only somewhat useful if someone is going to follow up by looking at the details.
And even then, a lot of agent put in fluff that has no real meaning nor association to reality. Even photos can be misleading. Even satellite aerial views and drive by street views can be misleading. At some point, a site visit is required if one is still interested in the potential property.
- Marla Cruickshank, "Marla Cruickshank"
- Contributions:55
I can't overemphasize that in the Fallbrook market, there are often features of a home that are not included in the MLS description or keyword data for the home. So don't rely exclusively on keywords. In other words, the overuse of keywords can be problematic - at least in this neck of the woods. Use keywords, but only on a "first pass" search.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21466
Remember on the keywords filter; that if you want to have two (or more) words together, put them in quotes.
Such as:
"granny flat"
"second unit"
"guest house"
"inlaw house"
"inlaw unit"
"back house"
"rental unit"
"servant quarters"
"two family"
"mother in law"
"two on a lot"
"in law"
Individual words that don't require a specific order can be placed without quotes, such as:
apartment
kitchenette
inlaw
The keywords filter can only find what the listing agent put in the property description; so if the agent didn't put it in, it can't be found. Most agents want the listing sold, so they will try to use the terms people are looking for if they apply. But sometimes it is really hard to read the minds of those listing agents.
Such as:
"granny flat"
"second unit"
"guest house"
"inlaw house"
"inlaw unit"
"back house"
"rental unit"
"servant quarters"
"two family"
"mother in law"
"two on a lot"
"in law"
Individual words that don't require a specific order can be placed without quotes, such as:
apartment
kitchenette
inlaw
The keywords filter can only find what the listing agent put in the property description; so if the agent didn't put it in, it can't be found. Most agents want the listing sold, so they will try to use the terms people are looking for if they apply. But sometimes it is really hard to read the minds of those listing agents.
- Marla Cruickshank, "Marla Cruickshank"
- Contributions:55
One additional point - As I mentioned previously, you can use the Zillows search "filters" to do some fine-tuning, but bear in mind that many property listings are not always completely or accurately entered into the MLS database, which presents some problems. Using too many screens can eliminate homes that may, in fact, actually have the feature you want. Even the pros, who have direct access to the most complete and up-to-date MLS data are confronted with the same problem. You know the old saw, "garbage in - garbage out".
This leaves you with a couple of strategies. One is to use fewer filters and dig deeper and harder to make sure you leave no stone unturned. The other is to rely on professional realtors who specialize in a market and may have direct and personal knowledge of the inventory in their area.
This leaves you with a couple of strategies. One is to use fewer filters and dig deeper and harder to make sure you leave no stone unturned. The other is to rely on professional realtors who specialize in a market and may have direct and personal knowledge of the inventory in their area.
- Simon Mills, "Mills Realty"
- Contributions:1858
You are going to be better served by contacting a local Realtor to assist you with the search. The information is easily accessible through the MLS.
- Marla Cruickshank, "Marla Cruickshank"
- Contributions:55
Hi: Good question. As "wetdawgs" says, you can do keyword searches by clicking on "more filters" in the search box at the top left of the search map. Them enter your criteria into the "keywords" box.
I see that you are in Fallbrook, CA. So if this is the area you are looking in, here is a sample search result using the keyword "guest house". Fallbrook Homes with Guest Houses .
BTW, just a quick pitch about Fallbrook, Bonsall, and nearby areas - One of the great benefits to these areas is the strong availability of homes with separate guest structures and other special use outbuildings.
Good luck with your search.
Marla
I see that you are in Fallbrook, CA. So if this is the area you are looking in, here is a sample search result using the keyword "guest house". Fallbrook Homes with Guest Houses .
BTW, just a quick pitch about Fallbrook, Bonsall, and nearby areas - One of the great benefits to these areas is the strong availability of homes with separate guest structures and other special use outbuildings.
Good luck with your search.
Marla
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26854
When searching, click on "more filters" and then put the extra search terms in the keywords box. Use a bunch of synonyms!
how do i search for a home with a seperate "mother inlaw house
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