How Buyers Search for Homes Online Today
The way people look for homes has changed dramatically over the past decade. While open houses and newspaper ads once played a big role, today’s buyers start—and often continue—their search online. As two of Wellesley’s top-producing Realtors, we know exactly how buyers are searching and how to position your home for maximum visibility.
1. Major Real Estate Portals
Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Trulia dominate online home searches. Buyers love their convenience, detailed filters, and easy access to photos and property details. Zillow in particular remains the most recognized and widely used.
2. Mobile First
Most buyers now search primarily on their phones. With apps that send instant alerts when new listings hit the market, buyers are always on top of fresh inventory—sometimes within minutes of a home going live.
3. MLS Feeds Through Realtors
While big portals are popular, serious buyers often rely on real-time MLS feeds provided directly by Realtors. These tools ensure they never miss a just-listed property, giving them a competitive edge in fast-moving markets like Wellesley and MetroWest Boston.
4. Social Media Discovery
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok are becoming powerful discovery tools for buyers. Short videos, reels, and virtual tours often catch attention before a buyer even checks the MLS. Our social media marketing strategy is designed to put listings in front of these engaged audiences.
5. Google Searches
Buyers frequently Google terms like “homes for sale in Wellesley MA” or “best neighborhoods in MetroWest Boston.” SEO-optimized Realtor websites and blog posts often appear in these searches, which is why we invest heavily in keeping our online presence strong.
6. Virtual Tours & 3D Walkthroughs
Since the pandemic, buyers expect to tour homes online before booking an in-person showing. High-quality video tours, drone footage, and 3D walkthroughs allow them to explore properties anytime, from anywhere.
7. Email Alerts
Many buyers sign up for instant email updates through MLS feeds or Zillow. These alerts keep them engaged daily and help them act quickly on new opportunities.
The Bottom Line
Today’s buyers are everywhere—on real estate portals, mobile apps, social media, and Google. To capture their attention, your home needs to shine across all these channels. That’s where we come in. As Steve & Nicole Connolly, two of Wellesley’s top-producing Realtors, we combine cutting-edge digital marketing with proven strategies to make sure your home stands out where buyers are actually looking.
Thinking of selling your Wellesley or MetroWest Boston home? Let’s connect and create a tailored strategy to get your home in front of today’s online buyers.
