Searching for real estate in Big Bear is getting easier everyday. With more access to the data, consumers are starting to see the full picture of what is going on in a particular real estate market.

I recently signed up for a map based IDX MLS search product from Diverse Solutions.  For those not familiar with IDX, it stands for internet data exchange.  It is essentially an agreement between real estate brokers in the same MLS which permits each broker to share their listings in eachother’s online advertising efforts.

So, a consumer can go to online site of Broker X and, assuming Broker X is participating in IDX, see more than just Broker X’s listings.  The consumer will see all of Broker X’s listings as well as Broker Y, Z, and any others that signed up to share via IDX.

In the Big Bear area, 80% or more of the brokers share their listings online with each other.  It only makes sense for consumers to be able to see as much real estate data as possible, right?

IDX has been around for several years but we are now starting to see the full benefits of what can be done by adding mapping technology to the mix.  The Diverse Solutions product allows consumers to search real estate for sale in Big Bear via an interactive map.

Know the exact Big Bear neighborhood you want to buy in?  It’s a breeze with this new search.    If you are looking in areas like Meadowbrook Estates or Castle Glen for example, you can just click on the map and zoom in to the neighborhoods that interest you.

Don’t know the specific area you want to be in?  You can also search by price, beds, baths, square footage, lot size, features, foreclosure, short sales, and so on.

What is just as exciting is the data that consumers can see on the details page of each listing.  My favorites include:

Listing History – The ability to search based on how long a property has been on the market.  If you want to see only new listings that have been on the market for 7 days or less, you can.  You specify the time frame you want.

Price Drops – A consumer will be able to see the pricing history of a property, when it when on the market and any price drops.  They can also search by price drops.  If they wanted to see what homes are on the market in Big Bear that have been reduced 20% in price over the past 100 days, they can!

Zillow Zestimates – I am not a huge fan of them as they can be way off but I know consumers like to see them.  On each listing, you can see what Zillow thinks about the value.

Google Street Views – I love the street views!  This gives the consumer a real feel for the neighborhood from a ground view.  Here is an example from my listing at 203 Knoll Rd. in Big Bear Lake.  The Google street views in Big Bear are only about 40% complete so not all properties will have this feature.  I do expect that it will be fully functional on all properties pretty soon.

Sold Listings – Consumers have the ability to see and view details on sold listings as well.  It is always nice to see what homes in the area have recently sold for.

Consumers also have the ability to save favorites, add notes, get new listings emailed to them and much more.

So, if you are interested in buying a property in Big Bear and want to start searching, take a look at the “Search For Properties” tab along the top of this page or the “Search For Homes” logo at the top left and see for yourself.

I think it works pretty well, but let me know what you think.