The Ultimate Guide to an Efficient and Effective MLS® Search for Homes and Condos
Searching for a home should be strategic, streamlined, and stress-free! As a real estate professional, organizing your MLS® search criteria efficiently helps you find the best homes for your clients faster. Whether you’re looking for single-family homes or condos, having a well-structured approach ensures you maximize every search. Let’s dive into the best ways to optimize your MLS® search for efficiency and accuracy!
🏡 Single Family Home Search: Key MLS® Criteria
✨ High-Priority Filters (Start Here!)
- Price Range – Set your client’s budget range.
- Location – Narrow it down by Region, Area, Community, and Zone.
- Building Type – Detached, Semi-Detached, Bungalow, Bi-Level, etc.
- Style – 2 Storey, 1.5 Storey, 4-Level Split, etc.
- Year Built – Define age preferences (newer vs. character homes).
- Lot Characteristics – Shape (Rectangular, Pie, Corner) & Size.
- Basement & Suite Potential
- Finished/Unfinished
- Secondary Suite? Yes/No
- Separate Entrance? Yes/No
- Garage Suite/Garden Suite? Yes/No
- Garage & Parking
- Attached, Detached, RV Parking
- Total Floor Area (Above Grade)
- Number of Bedrooms & Bathrooms
🏠 Functional & Lifestyle Enhancements
- Heating & Cooling (Forced Air, In-Floor Heating, Heat Pump, AC?)
- Exterior Type (Vinyl, Stucco, Hardie Board, Brick, etc.)
- Roof Type (Shingles, Metal, Flat, etc.)
- Fireplace? (Gas, Wood, Electric)
- HOA Fees? Yes/No, Inclusions?
- Site Influences & Amenities (Golf, Backs onto Green Space, River Valley Views, Parks, Trails, No Back Lane)
- Occupancy Type (Owner-Occupied, Vacant, Tenant-Occupied)
🏙️ Condo Search: Key MLS® Criteria
✨ Must-Have Condo Search Filters
- Price Range – Keep it realistic for buyers.
- Location – Region, Area, Community, Zone.
- Condo Type – Low-Rise, High-Rise, Townhouse, Loft, Penthouse.
- Unit Features
- Floor Number (for high-rise buyers)
- End Unit? Yes/No
- Total Floor Area (Square Footage)
- Unit Exposure (North, South, East, West)
- Year Built
🏰 Condo-Specific Essentials
- Condo Fees & What’s Included (Heat, Water, Electricity, Internet, Security, etc.)
- Parking Details
- Parking Type: Titled, Assigned, Underground
- Visitor Parking: Yes/No
- Balcony/Terrace? Yes/No
- Storage Unit Availability
- Building Amenities (Gym, Concierge, Pool, Rooftop Patio, Social Rooms)
- Pet Policy (Pet Friendly? Restrictions on Breed, Size, Number?)
- Short-Term Rental Rules (Airbnb Allowed?)
- Elevator Access? Yes/No
- Proximity to Transit (LRT, Bus Routes)
- Walkability to Shops & Restaurants
- Occupancy Type (Vacant, Owner-Occupied, Tenant-Occupied)
- Reserve Fund Information (Date of Last Study, Amount Available)
🔥 Power Search Strategy for REALTORS®
- Group criteria into tiers:
- Tier 1: Non-Negotiable (Price, Location, Type, Size)
- Tier 2: Desirable (Garage, Suite Potential, Amenities)
- Tier 3: Lifestyle Preferences (Views, Site Influences)
- Save multiple templates for different buyer types:
- First-Time Home Buyers
- Investors (Suite Potential, Low Condo Fees)
- Downsizers (Elevator, Low Maintenance)
- Set up Auto-Notifications for New Listings
With this efficient search strategy, you’ll save time, help clients faster, and close more deals. Want to discuss optimizing your search further? Let’s connect!
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