5 new tools for homebuyers

This spring Trulia.com launched a nationwide filter that enables consumers to search 3.2 million listings for price reductions. Enter a town or zip code, and reduced-price homes will come up.

Details include the number of times the price has dropped, the dates, by how much and the percentage of the reduction.

That's useful information: It can demonstrate that the seller is getting especially anxious about making the sale and consumers can adjust their offers accordingly.

If, for example, a home has gone through price cuts at regular intervals and is due for another, a buyer may want to wait a few days to make an offer.

The site also offers a new comparison feature that allows consumers to look at four listings side-by-side, making it easier to judge the home features and data.

"The tools can be used to take the pulse of the market today," said Ken Shuman, Trulia's head of communications.



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