What are the Best Real Estate Web Sites?

About 80 percent of buyers use the Internet to help find a home, according to research by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. To help get the most out of their Web search, USA Today reviewed the top 10 most popular real estate Web sites to determine which ones standout among the pack in helping buyers find information on real estate.

Here’s a summary of their findings, in alphabetical order, and what they liked or disliked.

AOL Real Estate. Reviewers liked the online mortgage tools, but weren’t as enthusiastic about research information, which they said was out-of-date.

Century 21. Instant chats with real estate pros are cited as a good idea, but reviewers didn’t like how the searches only turn up Century 21 listings.

Coldwell Banker. Interactive map and price comparison information pleased reviewers, but searches limited to Coldwell Banker were a turnoff.

Homes.com. Includes some information on foreclosures and new homes as well as competing loan terms from local lenders. However, no neighborhood data available for this search.

HomeGain. Reviewers like the listings of comparable homes sold, but criticized its search process and links limited to Keller Williams.

REALTOR.com. Reviewers liked the detailed descriptions and estimated monthly payment tool, and said multiple pictures and virtual tours for some properties are a plus.

Re/Max. Reviewers compliment ease of navigation and easy to find real estate contact information, but say the interactive map of prior sales needs work.

Yahoo Real Estate. Critics weren’t too enthusiastic about its exclusive deals with Prudential Real Estate and how it offers limited new-home sales data.

Zillow. Reviewers liked the site's interactive features, including its new Make Me Move feature that lets you name the price you would move for. But its inaccuracies at times on home estimations didn't please reviewers.

ZipRealty.com. Positives include allowing people to post reviews of homes they've toured. But a negative was its bias toward E-Loan for its loan comparisons.

Source: USA Today, Noelle Knox (02/08/07)