Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Online Real Estate Sites.

Ratings

Property Types

These are the types of properties the online real estate site offers. Almost all include single family homes and condos; however, some offer listings for foreclosures, new construction, mobile homes, land and more.

Search Features

The search options the online real estate site provides to help narrow criteria for property listings. Most include the basics like location, zip code and price range. Top rated sites include additional features like radius search, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) number or lot features.

Listed Information*

The information the online real estate site provides on the listing page. This should include the basics such as price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, sq. footage and property type. Some sites will include additional information like full addresses, year built and lot information.

Additional Resources

In addition to simply listing homes, many online real estate sites will also include additional resources like maps, mortgage calculators, area facts, articles or tips. This information is particularly useful to first time buyers, flippers, those with children or anyone interested in learning about real estate.

Property Types

Single Family Homes

Homes designed for single families. This includes most homes that are not condos, apartments or mobile.

Townhomes/Condos

Individually owned homes connected to each other on one or more sides. Townhomes and condominiums may be arranged as row homes or apartment style.

Foreclosures

Homes repossessed by the bank. These homes are usually sold at the price owed to the bank, not necessarily market value. Most online real estate sites will simply attach a link to a foreclosure company on their website.

New Construction

Construction companies or realtors are offering homes for sale that have not yet been lived in and in some cases have yet to be built. Often the buyer can order specific material for the home like countertops, flooring and fixtures.

Multi-Family Homes

Usually homes that have the ability to house more than one family. This may include twins, duplexes or entire apartment buildings.

Mobile Homes

These listings may include trailers or manufactured homes.

Rentals

Listings may include homes for rent, vacation rentals or apartments.

Land

The online real estate website offers listings for undeveloped land.

Farms

The site lists farm properties for sale.

Search Features

Location

The site can search listings by city and state.

Zip Code

Search listings by zip code.

MLS Number/ Property Number

The site can search for a specific listing by its MLS or property number.

Price

The online real estate site will only list properties within a specified price range.

Beds

Narrow listings by minimum bedrooms.

Bath

Only list homes with a minimum number of bathrooms.

Sq. Feet

Search for homes with a certain amount of square feet.

Radius Search/ Nearby Areas

The real estate website can broaden a search to include nearby neighborhoods, zip codes or within a radius of the original zip.

Additional Amenities

Search can be narrowed by requesting specific amenities like a garage, basement or fireplace.

Lot Features

The real estate site can search listings by lot size, lot location, mountain view and more.

Community Features

Searches can be specified by features offered by the community recreation facilities like a pool, golf course or exercise area.

Listed Information

Price

The real estate site lists the asking price for the property.

MLS Number/ Property Number

The site includes the MLS or Property number for the home.

Full Address

The real estate site lists the property’s full address online.

Bed

The listing includes the number of bedrooms in the home.

Bath

The listing includes the number of bathrooms in the home.

Sq. Feet

The property’s square footage is listed in the description.

Home Style

The listing explains if the home is a cottage, rambler, two–story, split level, etc.

Lot Information

The listing includes information about the property lot like acreage.

Year Built

The listing includes when the home was built or how old it is.

Construction

There is an explanation as to the construction of the house including features like brick exterior, vinyl siding or type of roofing.

Equipment

The listing details include the type of heating, air conditioning and water used in the house.

County

The county the house is located in.

School District

The home's zoned school district is displayed.

Schools

The site provides a list of the elementary, middle and high schools that home is zoned to.

Free Fill Description

The participating realtor may fill in any information they deem necessary about the home or property. They may include information not required by the real estate site like year built or HOA fees.

Additional Resources

Map

The real estate site includes a map with the location of the listed property.

Save Search/ Listing

The site can save a search or listing for you to visit later without requiring a registration.

Print

You can print the property's full listing without having to register.

Email

The site allows you to email a listing to yourself or a friend without requiring you to register.

Find a Realtor

The site provides a section to assist you in finding a local real estate agent.

Articles, Tips and Guides

There are articles, tips and guides about moving, selling, buying, interest rates and more.

Mortgage Calculator

The site provides a calculator to help you estimate mortgage payments.

Area Facts

Area information about demographics, crime, housing information and schools is provided.

Home Price Check

The site provides a link or calculator to estimate the value of your current home. This is a great resource for those also looking to sell their homes.

Section for Realtors

The real estate site provides a special section designed specifically for real estate agents.

Find a Lender

The site has a link to a mortgage lender to help buyers with their first steps in the buying process.

Help/Support

Phone Support

The online real estate site provides a telephone number for questions and additional information.

Email Support

The site includes an email address.

FAQ

The online real estate site has a frequently asked questions section to assist users with common problems.

 ©2003 – 2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.