DROdio Real Estate

The "MLS" stands for "Multiple Listing Service". It's the big database that all real estate agents use to list homes. Only agents have full access to the MLS, but we've created three websites which pull the MLS data and show it to you in creative ways:

		For easy, map-based searching: www.BirdsEyeSearch.com This site integrates the MLS data feed with a Google Map so you can visually see what properties are for sale. We also include a Metro map overlay to make it really easy to see which are near the Metro lines. We have a video with instructions on how to use this site, too.
Pictured above, the "most efficient route" from The Best HomeSearch Ever service helps you view properties in the most efficient order, based on your starting point.		For a little more advanced & flexible searching: www.TheBestHomeSearchEver.com This site pulls the entire MLS feed (currently about 100,000 properties) and slices & dices it in innovative ways. It lets you search for foreclosure & REO properties, for example, or listings that have been on the marketmore than a certain number of days. It also lets you look for "bargain" properties like fixer-uppers and much more. You can watch a video on how to use the site.
		If you're too lazy to search yourself, have a computer do it for you, once an hour! www.ListingNotice.com allows you to "set it and forget it" - create a search and have the site check the MLS once every hour for new listings that match, and then email them to you.

You can also learn more about how we use technology to help you be more efficient in your home search.

Share This

After seeing some absolutely abysmal listings (no photos, etc) we decided to do an in-depth analysis of how good/bad listing agents are when selling homes.

After all, they're supposed to be representing their client's best interests, right? And a listing agent stands to make $21,000 to $42,000 on a $700k house (surprised? visit our page on how agents get paid), so with that kind of money in play, one would think that agents would be sharp as a razor, looking out for their client's best interests.

Unfortunately, that isn't so. Here's proof:

72.8% of agents don't know how to market properties close to the Metro.Here's how we know: We ran an analysis to see how many agents checkmarked the itsy-bitsy little checkbox in a program called "Keystone", which is the program all agents must use when they list a property for sale in the MLS database system. Here's an image showing what the agent sees when uploading the listing (click on the image to enlarge):

We'll establish below that most agents don't know that the itsy-bitsy "Transportation" checkbox exists. But here's what the agents do knowhow to do: They write notes like, "Walk to Metro!" or "Close to Metro" in the listing notes. The only problem is, the listing notes aren't searchable! So when you as a buyer want to find a property close to Metro, you have to rely on the agents who knew to checkmark the itsy-bitsy checkbox in the "Transportation" section when they were publishing the listing. Here are some examples of listing agents who wrote the word Metro in their listing notes (click on the images to enlarge):

Well, we take it back (kind of): The listing notes aren't searchable on any property search site except ours. We created a tool called www.TheBestHomeSearchEver.com that lets you search for any piece of text in the listing notes, including the word "Metro". Here are two searches we did, illustrating our point (click on the image to enlarge):

As you can see, only 2,166 of a total of 7,967 properties (27.2%) near the metro were labeled as such in the listing, meaning the vast majority, 72.8%, did not enter the listing correctly, making their properties un-searchable by the Metro search criteria! What the vast majority (7,080 of 7,967, or 88.8%) did do was write something in the listing notes indicating that the property was close to the Metro. Nice to read, but impossible for buyers to search.

Share This

When we send you a link with listings, the link will look like this:

Click the following URL to see the listing:
http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=20846305419

The problem is, it can be very hard to read the page that comes up.

Here's a little tutorial (click on the photos below to enlarge):

Share This

The City of Falls Church website lists its zip codes as follows:

The primary Falls Church city zip code is 22046, with a few properties in 22042 and 22043. 22040 is used for post office boxes. Some other tips--most residential addresses are three digits; addresses indicated on Route 7, Leesburg Pike, Arlington Boulevard, Route 50, Lee Highway or Route 29 are likely not within the City of Falls Church. Please call Planning at 703-248-5040 or Zoning at 703-248-5015 if assistance is needed.

Share This

We sometimes get questions about doing radon tests.Like any kind of contingency, it's possible to have a radon contingency in the contract.Few home buyers do this, although in the 1980's, Radon was a hot topic and frequently tested for.The type of structure can have an effect on the amount of Radon in the house. For example, if you have a below-grade basement with poor ventilation (no walk-out, for example), you may have an increased likelihood of having higher radon levels than if your home is completely above-ground. However, having said that, just because your house is above-ground does not mean you are guaranteed not to have a radon issue. You can read this information for more details - here's an excerpt:

Are radon levels affected by the ventilation in my house?Yes. Sometimes radon concentrations can be reduced to acceptable levels by increased ventilation.

This is also a great FAQ on radon.We find that only 1% to 2% of our clients do a radon test, but we've started encouraging clients to do so.

Share This

A buyer asks:

My first question is once we find something we like how long does it take to receive word back on a home. Me and Carmen discussed prices and we really need to stay below that 417k mark. Again we appreciate all you are doing for us and we don't mean to be difficult buyers.Oh. and we were wondering what kind of offer could be made on the Town home we saw last night. Thanks again.

Our answer:

No problem re: $417k; that means we should look at properties up to the $450k range and negotiate down from there.

Usually when we make an offer we'll have a response in 1 to 2 days.

The TH is listed at $495k. We could try $417k but it would be a long shot. Who knows though; it's worth a try. Let me know if you want to try and I'll put the offer together.

Share This