Why Aren’t These Homes Showing Up In My Searches?

We get this question all the time. The answer is always the same. They don’t match your criteria.

Being an old data guy I have a saying.

More is Less

The More specific the search criteria the Less results you will see.

And we do get this question all the time.  Along with the “They don’t match your criteria.”  Is the time to go through the list of homes they send in question.

1. It doesn’t have AC, you specified has to have AC
2. It only has 2 bedrooms, you only want homes that have 3
3. It is a manufactured home, your criteria say . . .

Down the list.  The indignation that is felt in the question begins to melt away with each answer.

But it was clear they think “Something is WRONG!  These homes should be showing up”

Don’t be specific if you want general results

If you are willing to consider a home with 2 bedrooms, don’t specify “minimum 3 bedrooms”

The same is true for any of your criteria.  If you are willing to consider 2 garage spaces then check 2 garage spaces +

That’s the nice thing about searches in most mls systems.  You can specify 2 bedrooms and get homes in your results with 3, 4, 5 . . .

You will usually see the + sign at the end of those options which provide your selection as the minimum, but not the maximum.

However, if you specify a tile roof, you won’t get homes in your results with shingles.

What is it about the home not in my criteria that I want?

It becomes obvious that a buyer is looking at more than what is coming in their specific search.  So ask yourself, what is it about this home I like?

Make a list of the things you like that aren’t showing up in your searches.  Because the next thing to think about is:

But, I might like one of those homes

Here’s the good news.  You can have more than one search.  There is no limit to the number of different searches you can be getting results for.

Now, I know Barbara would be giving me those killing eyes if you asked for 20 different searches.  But 3 to 5 searches will only get me a disgusted look.  Until the home a buyer wants shows up in their search and they are ready to see the home and make an offer.  Then all is forgiven

The homes aren’t showing up because of one simple truth, they are outside of the criteria.  Solutions, broaden your search criteria and consider setting up an additional search with broader criteria.

One search for My True Dream Home, and one for  I Could Live Here;  would do it for me.