The Boston area is one of the most expensive housing markets in the United States. Just compare San Francisco, New York, maybe LA, and maybe DC. Where else could a $ 400,000 studio listing be and people don’t think it’s weirdly expensive?
There are many reasons for these persistently high prices, not least a historical lack of new development and zoning rules that hinder such development. What matters, however, is that finding a home – even if you start looking – can be more difficult in the greater Boston area than most subway reasons.
To help potential buyers immerse themselves in 2020 and beyond, we’ve put together a rundown of a quintet of apps and websites (and websites with apps) that are worth checking out to find that perfect – or at least habitable – Place to wink. One is deliberately local and the other four are national, but have features to help shoppers quickly immerse themselves in the Boston area. Got it.
Zillow
Seattle-based Zillow was founded in 2011 and is one of the oldest online housing listings websites. It’s quick and to the point – and can be overwhelming without its filters. When searching for a postcode or neighborhood in Zillow, there is a wide range to choose from. Fortunately, these filters exist. The website also offers several calculators for mortgage and other financial information. and a search engine for finding local brokers. There are also Zillow apps for iPhones and Androids.
Trulia
Trulia is owned by Zillow and a kind of clone of his parents. But what makes it worth using are its filters, which allow potential buyers to quickly browse their search for specific neighborhoods, apartment types, price points, etc. And there is a smart way of only looking for houses for sale through owners and without a realtor. Finally, there is a Trulia app for iPhones and Androids.
Estately
Almost like Google in its simplicity – a single search box in the middle of the page greets users – Estately is also valued for its regular updates. The Seattle-based company updates its listings almost every hour. and brokers don’t pay for listing on the site, which means it can be more comprehensive than their competitors. The usual filters are also there – location, neighborhood, desired amenities – and Estately can help you plan property viewings (this feature can be found on the right side of a list). There are also iPhone and Android apps.
Boston pads
The locally based Boston Pads offer a fairly simple user interface right off the bat and have a real-time database of available homes in the Boston area. The search box, which also appears immediately, enables quick queries to be made by neighborhoods in Boston or by parish (Cambridge, Somerville, etc.). And there are resources for specific users, including buyers and investors. and opportunities to search for special features such as parking spaces as well as moving and furnishing services.
New England is moving
After all, we wouldn’t normally recommend a single broker’s search engine, but Coldwell Banker’s user interface is particularly clear and fast for searches by neighborhood and price. And the brokerage regularly lists non-exclusive offers, so the choices go way beyond what Coldwell banker brokers have.
