PA Real Estate Blogs

The Realtors Property Resource (RPR) began as an initiative in 2008 to create an online real estate data base- library that will provide the National Association of Realtors members with a valuable data on every property in the United States. RPR LLC was incorporated in 2009 and is wholly owned by the National Association of Realtors and as no stockholders, investors, or partners. You must be an active member of the National Association to use the database and unlike Zillow the public will not have access to the data base and will not allow 3^rd party feeds.

The TrendMLS system serving The Reading Berks Association of Realtors will unveil the new system in mid December of this year.

The system will allow Realtors access to tax assessment, public record information, notices of default, foreclosures, and pre-foreclosure data, MLS and CIE ( Commercial Industrial Council) information, zoning, liens, permits, school district, flood plan maps, demographics, historic and current photos on one system. At its base there are over 147 million property records. Many of the systems and maps will be integrated into layers to produce customized reports for the client who keeps the Realtor in the center of the transaction as the expert.

Buyers and Sellers are demanding information on a local level. Consumers eager for local information often turned to the Zillow Zestimate for an evaluation tool in determining what their home is worth prior to contacting a Real Estate professional Since the Zestimate does not have access to proprietary MLS information it is often inaccurate and adding to their confusion and frustration Anyone can open a newspaper and read about the real estate markets nationally but what does that mean to them here in Berks County. They are looking to Realtors as an expert source; someone that can help them interpret the data locally, according to Sands

RPR allows Realtors interpret the information and apply it to analyzing listings, sales default and volume trends as well as other local forecast models. RPR’s high touch valuation tools allow me to use my experience and knowledge of the local market and create a customized detailed market analysis than ever before Sands added. One of the challenges in comparing one property to another is no two properties are alike. Property “A” has an upscale new kitchen and Property “B” does not. The system will allow the Realtor to refine the values for condition, upgrades, curb appeal, distressed or enhanced property features such as a great view. The system can calculate return on invest modules and other tools that brokers like myself that work with relocation to Berks County need Sands added.

Many relocation clients are scared to buy even though they have the funds, and job security to do so. You can explain to them in words how great the buying environment is with historic low interest rates and attractive pricing but it’s not the same as seeing it in an accurate black and white report. I have been practicing real estate for over 25 years in Berks County and I am very excited about this data base and what it brings to our clients Sands concluded.

Bill Sands of Sands& Company Real Estate

www.parealestate.com