Buyers and sellers of real estate both sides want to get something out of a relationship that leaves them feeling better off. And just like dating, there is the possibility of attracting people you don't want, so the heart of the system is good spam control. "Dating service" seemed like the best way to describe this arrangement.
Buyers sign up on the registration page, giving an idea of what they're looking for. Sellers then search the list of buyers. When a seller finds a likely buyer, he sends a message to that buyer.
Here is an example conversation between a seller and a buyer.
Yes, for sellers, it is very highly targeted and free advertising. Sellers are advertising only to people who have already expressed an interest in a particular zip code and price range. Buyers are letting sellers come to them. Both sides are potentially cutting agents out of the deal and saving money.
There is no other way a seller can get a list of people who have already said they want a house in the seller's price range and zip code. And did I mention that it's free?
Please don't use the real estate dating service unless you want to buy or sell a house. If you want to advertise your real estate or mortgage services, please write p@patrick.net for terms.
You can download a CSV version of the buyer list here. This may help you integrate the buyer list with your own list of houses for sale. Again, if you don't have a house for sale that matches what a buyer is looking for, please do not try to contact the buyer.
No, the buyer's email address is never exposed. Also note that you never enter your name, phone number, or address when you register.
Sellers would find it hard to spam buyers. A seller must first register to confirm his email address, and then enter the price and address of a particular property for sale, and this must match what the buyer is looking for. After that, the address of the house for sale is checked to be sure it really exists. Only after passing these checks can the seller send the buyer a message.
If a buyer doesn't want to talk to a particular seller, he can just click Block This Seller to end the conversation. Any seller who gets blocked by 3 different buyers will be kicked out of the service entirely.
No, the conversation happens on the web site. The buyer's email address will still be secret, unless he chooses to give it away in a reply.
Copy the link and paste it into your browser.
You don't. Deceptive realtors commonly try to get clients by pretending to have a house for sale, but never actually telling buyers the details of a house for sale until the buyer legally obligates himself to use that realtor. If someone tries that tactic on you, click the Block This Seller button. You'll never hear from that seller again. Anyone who gets blocked 3 times for any reason will be kicked out of the service.
Go to the edit profile page, enter your email address and password, and change your profile.
Go to the edit profile page, enter your email address and password, and click delete.
Yes, it is a terrible time to buy. Don't do it - unless you can get a great price, way below the cost of renting.
find a buyer