General Questions Instructional Questions General Questions Q: How is this service different from other property search websites for area properties? A: This is an IDX (Internet Data Exchange) feed of properties for sale directly from the Flagler County Association of Realtors MLS. Therefore, you are seeing the most comprehensive database of properties available for sale in the area. Yes, other Realtor websites in the area provide an IDX feed as well; but with far less functionality than what you get here such as the ability to save custom searches, create multiple saved searches, interactive mapping, etc. In addition, what you see on other major listing websites (i.e. Zillow, Trulia, etc.) is often not all of the properties for sale. These websites are dependent upon participation of individual agents/brokers to submit their listings. The MLS is the most comprehensive and accurate source of information due to the strict oversight by the local Association of Realtors. Whereas, other sites are not overseen by any Association and individual listing information may not always be accurate. Back to the top of the page Q: Do I have to sign up to use this service? A: Yes to take advantage of ALL of the great features. MLS rules and regulations require registration when providing "Virtual Office" services such as saving properties and creating saved custom searches to insure the security of the data. You are able to pull up the lists at any time without registration. You can view details of 5 properties before registration is required.. Registration is FREE and simple. Again, you get the most comprehensive and accurate way to shop for properties for sale and a service that is packed with features. Back to the top of the page Q: Are you local and are you a Licensed Real Estate person? A: Yes and Yes. I am a licensed Real Estate Professional and a member of the local, state, and National Associations of Realtors. My office is located right here in Palm Coast at Trademark Realty Group of Palm Coast on Pine Lakes Parkway. I am always just a phone call away. Back to the top of the page Q: Other agent websites in the area offer MLS property searches without having to register so how is this any different? A: Yes, individual agent websites often offer a limited way that you can search the MLS. I had offered the same service as well. I recognized that the service was very limited and cumbersome for visitors. So I sought out a solution to get you the most comprehensive way to shop for properties on the market and the ability to search for them the way you want. Since this service is provided outside of the normal MLS company we are contracted with and provides you with "Virtual Office" features (i.e. save property searches, saved custom searches, etc.), registration is required to take advantage of those great features. Registration is simple and FREE. Registration adds in searching the MLS in ways buyers have asked for and the features buyers are used to when searching for properties: - Get as detailed in your search as you would like
- Interactive satellite mapping linked to every property you search for from Google Maps. See the features and an overview of the area all in one place
- Save properties which you are interested in.
- Set up a search criteria unique to you and receive email alerts of new properties that come on the market that match your specifications
- Easily set up showings with the click of your mouse
- Make changes any time you like
- And much more!
Back to the top of the page Q: Will I be hounded by phone calls and emails after registering? A: No. You will receive one phone call after registering to insure you are comfortable using the service and allow me to get valuable feedback from you. The only emails you will receive are the updates and additions of properties that match your criteria if you choose that service. Your privacy is important, is kept secure, and not shared with any other service. You are free to shop the MLS at your leisure and unhindered. If you have any questions regarding a property or Real Estate information in general, I am always just a phone call or email away. Back to the top of the page Q: How up-to-date is the information? A: The information is automatically updated daily. So your are getting the most up-to-date information. Back to the top of the page Q: How come some properties only have a few pictures and some have a lot more? A: The Flagler County Association of Realtors MLS only recently allows for up to 24 photos of a property to be attached to any listing. In the past only 4 photos could be attached. Properties sellers have contracted to be listed with me are “Featured Properties” on this service. Therefore, I insure that the maximum number of photos and information is provided for these “Featured Properties”. Just one of the many benefits I offer for today’s sellers. Back to the top of the page Q: There was a property available for sale and now I no longer see it. Why? A: You will only see 'Active' properties for sale. The property may be 'Pending' (under contract), 'Sold', 'Expired', or 'Withdrawn'. In any of those scenarios, you will not see the property any longer. Simply call me or email me and I can tell you what the status is at the present time. Back to the top of the page Q: Should I be pre-qualified for a mortgage before scheduling to see a property? A: Yes. It is one of the first questions I will ask customers seeking to purchase. This allows me to better serve you. A pre-qualification allows us to tailor the home search to your budget. If you need assistance with where to get started in regards to getting pre-qualified, give me a call at (386) 446-5930. Back to the top of the page Q: What do I do if I want to see one of the properties or would like more information? A: Simply click the “Schedule Showing” or “More Information” button and insure you provide a valid phone number to contact you at. It is important I am able to discuss the best time for the showing for you and the seller. Back to the top of the page Q: If I schedule a showing for properties to see who am I contacting, you or the listing agent? A: You are contacting me. Remember, the purpose of an MLS system is to cooperatively share listings amongst area Real Estate Brokers and Realtors. The listing agent is most often not the one "bringing" the buyer to the seller. In Florida, we are all under a “Transaction Broker Relationship” (essentially an objective third-party) with both buyers and sellers. But since a Listing Agent is contracted with the seller to sell the property, having a Realtor (like myself) represent you as a buyer puts you in a better position for negotiation to get the best financial benefit. In addition, you receive more personalized service to support you every step of the way. Back to the top of the page Q: If you assist me in the purchase of a property, do I have to pay you a fee? A: No. I get paid through the cooperative commission amount designated by the listing agent which is paid from the proceeds by the seller. That is another great benefit to shopping here at PalmCoastHomeShow.com, because you are seeing the properties you want to see and insure you are not “being” steered toward properties which just pay an agent more. My mission is simple, getting you the property you want at the best financial benefit for you. Back to the top of the page Q: This is a great service for buyers, but how does this help me as a seller if I wanted to list my property with you? A: As you said, “This IS a great service for buyers.” And many buyers are taking advantage of it. So where’s the best place to advertise your property for sale? That’s right . . . where the buyers are! When you list your property for sale with me, your property becomes a “Featured Property” giving you a presentation that stands out amongst the rest. In addition, you get an amazing marketing plan with an advertising initiative that is packed with proven methods to get your property sold at the best financial benefit to you. Visit the Sellers page for more information. Back to the top of the page Q: Who is the dog in the picture? A: That is Zachary. He is 11 years old, and has been a member of our family since he was a puppy. When we walk him around the neighborhood little kids often yell, “Hey! There’s the Fire Engine dog!” He is still very active, is very loyal, and loves children. Since we love talking about him, I'll share some more. First, he has grown up with two cats and it is funny to see how he has taken on some of the cat behaviors like cleaning himself. We are not totally sure he knows he is a dog. Second, because he can be a bit energetic; we have always been concerned about small children coming over. But he always seems to know his size when it comes to children, and insures he remains calm around them. One night when a friend was over with her 2 year old daughter, we couldn’t help laugh when he sat down across from her on the floor and gently rolled his ball to her to play. They played for quite a while just rolling the ball back and forth. Back to the top of the page Instructional Questions Q: I searched for properties and nothing came up A: Your criteria may too narrow in scope. Take out items that are not "must haves" (i.e. roof style, laundry placement, and even a pool if your are searching in the lower price ranges) and search again. Back to the top of the page Q: Can I get a Google Streetview to take a virtual tour of the neighborhood itself A: Yes. Simply click the "Map Property" link and you will be taken to new page at Google Maps. Simply left-click on the little orange man on the left where the zoom bar is and drag him to the marker for the property. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I 'Save a Search' and get email updates of properties that come on the market? A: You must first create a FREE 'Home Search Manager Account'. Next, do the following: 1. Log in to your 'Home Search Manager Account'.
2. Conduct your search.
3. When the results come up, click on the link at the top of the page for 'Save Search'.
4. In the next window you can give the saved search a name (i.e. 3 Bedrooms in Indian Trails)
5. If you wish to receive email updates as properties come on the market meeting that criteria, leave the box checked that says 'Receive Email Updates'. You may create and save as many searches as you would like to. Back to the top of the page Q: Can I modify the basic neighborhood searches to narrow down the list to properties that meet my needs? A: Yes. This is one of the many reasons I added the quick search links. 1. Sign in to your Home Search Manager Account
2. Click the 'Houses for Sale' link in the neighborhood you want.
3. At the top of the results page, click the 'Modify Search' link.
4. Update the features such as price range, bedrooms, etc. and click the 'Search' button.
5. You may then save that unqiue search (see the question above on how to save searches) Back to the top of the page Q: I'd like to send someone else information about a property I think they may like. How do I do that? A: While viewing the property details page, click on the 'Email Property' link. This will allow you to easily share the property with someone else. Back to the top of the page Q: I downloaded the MyAgent iPhone App and a property that had a 'For Sale' sign on the lawn did not come up on the list. Why is that? A: The property must be listed with our local Realtor MLS and be 'Active' for sale. This means that properties that have contracts pending on them will not display. You may always call or email me from your iPhone, give me the address, and I can check the status for you. Back to the top of the page |