FranklyMLS.com Versus the New HomesDataBase.com

HomesDataBase.com just announced that they have revamped and launched a new and improved version of their search site (in beta). But how does it stack up against one of my favorite search sites, FranklyMLS.com?

FranklyMLS.com

FranklyMLS.com has been blowing away the competition in terms of speed, ease-of-use and practicality. The list of features is awesome and continues to grow weekly. It was one of the first search sites to come out with keyword search function (think "granite countertops" or "bank owned").

You can also quickly see whether a property is a short-sale or not thanks to a " * " next to the price. This is great so you don't waste your time looking through the remarks section of each and every listing to determine whether it's a short-sale or not.

It also has a "cell-phone feature" which allows you to easily browse listings on your PDA while on the go or while sitting in front of a home for sale. The site loads quickly on your PDA and the thumbnails are a perfect size for most screens.

HomesDataBase.com

The new HomesDataBase.com allows to customize your search pretty well. You can also subscribe to an RSS feed which makes it easy to keep up with new listings and information from the site. One thing that HomesDatabase.com has that FranklyMLS.com does not is a map feature. Personally, I don't use mapping features on listing sites so I'm impartial, but others may love it.

It took a hint from FranklyMLS.com and created a keyword search feature of their own. But it's not as accurate or effective. The site isn't as quick as FranklyMLS.com, but it does just fine on my home high-speed connection. As for looking at it on your cell phone, you can. But it's by no means as easy as FrankyMLS.com

Overall, HomesDataBase.com has done a good job with its' new and improved site and many consumers and agents will find it very useful in searching for homes and communicating with their clients.

The winner is…

In my humble opinion, FranklyMLS.com still holds the top spot. Why? Because being able to efectively filter through all the "noise" using a superior keyword feature and differentiate between traditional resales, short-sales and bank-owned foreclosure properties is more important to me than than any "cool maps" or way-too-in-depth search criteria most of which doesn't apply to 99 percent of buyers anyway. And I'm on the road a lot so I need instantaneous access to listings and property information using my Blackberry. 

If you haven't yet, check out both sites and come to your own conclusion.