Homebuyers Guide Step 2

JoAnn Caddoo
Jan 28, 2022
2 min read

Now that you've spoken to a lender and better understand what you qualify for, the next step will be to get listing alerts set up. If you missed Home Buyers Guide Step 1 Series, click here.

Listing alerts are set up through your real estate agent. In the Northern Colorado market, we use IRES MLS. MLS stands for multiple listing services. The MLS is the very first place a REALTOR® will enter a new listing.

Once you have been set up for alerts, you will get a notification when a new listing is added to the MLS that fits your criteria. You can opt for instant alerts (suggested if you are ready to make an offer on a home), daily alerts, or a weekly digest of homes listed.

Listing alerts not only help you identify which homes you'd like to look at; it enables you to understand the market. Unlike Zillow, the listing alerts are in real-time and up to date. For example, once a home receives an offer and goes under contract, the agent will go into the MLS and change the status to Active/Backup. You will see houses in your listing alerts that have that status, sometimes within a day, it is added to your alerts, and it tells you how quickly a home sells and prepares you better when the time comes to make an offer. Listing alerts can also help you explore neighborhoods that you may have not otherwise considered.

Even if you haven't spoken to a lender, but you have a good idea of the home price range that fits

your needs, I am more than happy to set up alerts for you so that you can begin exploring. I have had clients on alerts for a year, so there is no pressure to act immediately! Gaining knowledge is too important to rush it.

CLICK HERE TO GET SET UP FOR ALERTS