Finding NH homes on Craigslist and why you should avoid it
With how crazy the market is today, Buyers are doing everything they can think of to try to get a leg-up on properties listed for sale. They are searching every and any website thinking they may catch a property listed prior to another site. First I want to express many of these sites such as Zillow, Redfin, Independent Real Estate Firms, etc. All these websites use something called IDX feeds.
An IDX feed is a data connection that transfers listings data between a real estate agent’s website and a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and updates those listings as properties come on or off the market.
Anytime a property or plot of land becomes active on the states MLS system, it immediately goes to 3rd-party websites. With this information the best website to stay updated on new listings would be your states MLS website. Here in New Hampshire you can click this link!
In the late 90’s and early 2000’s Craiglist.com was a popular website to post items for sale, such as properties. However, over the years the popular listing forum has become high risk due to much of the postings being scams. Due to this many have stayed clear of it, but some still do use it hoping to find a FSBO. Over the years I have seen many vacationers or buyers fall into the Craigslist trap. They think they have found the perfect home for rent or sale, sent them a “deposit” and told to meet at the property for keys. When they show up they find out the property was never for sale, sold a long time ago, or isn’t for rent and have now lost their “deposit” and are out of a home or rental.
Due to the high volume of scams, I would suggest avoiding it to find NH homes on craigslist. If one understands the risks and knows to NEVER send any deposits, via the website. Then It can be used safely. Due to the reputation Craigslist now has I don’t suspect many home owners are posting their homes on this website. For your own safety it’s best to stick with the popular websites or contact a local realtor for help!
