🏠Maximize Your Online Home Search
Looking for a new home online can feel overwhelming with so many websites, filters, and tools to choose from. The good news? Most platforms use the same MLS data — so what really matters is how you search. Here’s a quick guide to help you use the big sites (and the MLS itself) more effectively, so you can find the right home faster and with less hassle.
How Home Search Sites Work: Beyond the Listing
Popular platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Homes.com attract millions of visits each month. They all pull listings from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) — the same database used by local brokerages.
- Data Consistency: Listing details and photos from MLS are fairly consistent no matter where you search.
- The Differentiating Factor: The big sites set themselves apart through their tools, filters, and extra data. This includes proprietary information like home value estimates, lifestyle insights, climate info, or agent reviews.
- The Business Model: Their goal is to connect buyers with agents and service providers such as mortgage and title companies. This is why you see ads and “Connect with an Agent” buttons.
- Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to explore each of the big platforms to see which one best fits your personal preference for usability before settling on just one.
| Platform | Noteworthy Features |
| Zillow | The Zestimate (their proprietary home valuation model). |
| Realtor.com | Detailed School and Neighborhood Data (often pulled from third-party sources). |
| Redfin | Very user friendly interface and their “Redfin Estimate” and “Hot Homes” predictive market data. |
| Homes.com | Detailed neighborhood/community guides and local market insights. |
| Trulia | This Zillow brand has crowdsourced local insights |
đź”” Saved Searches: Your Best Tool for Efficiency
All major platforms let you save filtered searches — with alerts that notify you when new listings hit the market or when homes change price or status.
Filters are the key to making these alerts useful. Too few filters = too much noise. Too many filters = missed opportunities.
🎯 Advanced Filtering Strategy: The Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
When setting up your first saved search, be strategic about which filters you apply:
Tier 1: Non-Negotiables (Must-Have Filters)
- Location: Narrow down to the specific city, zip codes, or neighborhoods you would actually consider.
- Maximum Price: Set your absolute ceiling and stick to it. This prevents “dream home creep.”
- Minimum Price Caution: Unless your budget has a strict lower limit, avoid setting a minimum price filter. Setting a floor can cause you to miss out on well-priced homes that are smaller, need minor repairs, or are undervalued.
- Bed/Bath Minimum: Apply your minimum requirements (e.g., at least 3 beds and 2 baths).
- Tier 2: Key Preferences
- Focus on things that are important you, that would be difficult or impossible to change in the future. Lot size, attached garage, ranch style or two story are some examples.
- Tier 3: The “Too Narrow” Traps (Filters to Avoid at First)
- Home Feature Specifics (AC, Fireplace, Hardwood Floors): Applying too many of these will hide homes that might be a good fit for you. Save these for when you get too many results.
- HOA Fees or Property Taxes: While important, these numbers can be inaccurate or outdated on the search site. Filter by price range first and then vet the tax/HOA details in the full listing and by having your Realtor confirm these expenses.
Action Plan: Start broad (Tier 1 filters only) to learn the market, then apply a maximum of one or two Tier 2 or 3 filters at a time to narrow down the noise.
Note About Location Searches: When searching by location, either a neighborhood or municipality, you might want to remove the map boundaries or outline so you don’t miss homes that are close by.
An Alternative: Direct MLS Searches (No Ads, No Noise)
If you’d rather skip the ads, agent matching, and the proprietary “estimates,” a local Realtor can set up saved searches directly in the MLS (in Madison, that’s the SCWMLS).
Alert Format: You’ll get the same new listing alerts — without the marketing, banner ads, or “suggested” agents — and a clearer view of your local market.
Data Quality: The data comes directly from the source, minimizing potential delays or inaccuracies from the third-party sites.
You’ll get the same new listing alerts — without the noise or marketing — and a clearer view of your local market.
Need Help Getting Started?
We can create a customized MLS saved search for you — filtered by area, price, and features — so you never miss a new listing.
Contact us to get started.