FAQs on Home Search Methods

How do online search engines for homes compare with each other?
Most contain the exact same listings because they download them from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the database of the San Diego County Association of Realtors. Minor differences in content depend on how frequently the data are updated. The search engine on this site draws directly, and continuously, from San Diego County's Multiple Listing Service (MLS). No other search engine contains more up-to-date San Diego County home listings.

Do MLS-based search engines include For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Homes?
Yes, but not many. FSBOs are more likely found in newspapers, FSBO web sites and generic online classifieds such as Craig's List. Some are only advertised by yard signs.