HomeGain today announced the re-launch of HomeScout.com, a consumer-facing Web site the company acquired in 2001.
HomeScout.com provides access to instant home valuations, recent home sales, MLS listings, homes for sale from real estate agents and partners, and a Realtor search function.
The site includes several types of searchable databases of homes for sale, including MLS listings access, new homes and home builders, foreclosure real estate listings, and homes for sale by agents and partners of HomeGain.
MLS listings access is provided by subscribing HomeGain BuyerLink agents. New Homes and Foreclosure Listings are provided through agreements with NewHomeSource.com and Foreclosure.com, respectively, the company said.
In some cases, consumers will be directed to the agent’s Web site when searching for MLS listings. A search for listings in San Francisco takes users directly to a local broker Web site where they must fill out a lead form and provide contact information before gaining access. A search for listings in Oakland, Calif., leads users to a similar lead form on a local agent’s site.
HomeScout’s instant home values feature enables access to automated home-value estimates and recent home sales, including comparables and nearby home sales, plotted on a map. Consumers can submit an address for the property being researched, and receive a snapshot of the local real estate market and an initial assessment of their home’s worth.
“The re-launch of HomeScout also marks the re-launch of our instant home-valuation tool, originally provided to HomeGain consumers back in the early 2000s,” said Louis Cammarosano, HomeGain’s general manager. Visitors also can contact a HomeGain real estate agent to request a free, professional comparative market analysis, or CMA.
HomeGain was founded by Inman News Publisher Bradley Inman, who sold the company to Classified Ventures in 2005. Classified Ventures is a joint venture of five media companies, including Belo Corp., Gannett Co., The McClatchy Co., Tribune Co., and The Washington Post Co.
