MLSListings, Inc. has announced it is the first MLS in California to partner with BuildFax, a provider of historical building permit data. The unique service allows prospective home buyers to shortcut hours of records searches through multiple sources by using the BuildFax portal – building permit information available to potential homebuyers or consumers looking to sell a home, instantly searchable by address.
According to the organization, the agreement cross-references BuildFax’s national collection of permit records for new construction, major systems repairs, additions, renovations, roofs, pools, demolitions, contractors, and more with properties listed for sale on www.MLSListings.com. The agreement also provides a substantial discount to consumers who purchase a report through www.mlslistings.com – more than 75 percent off the retail cost of a BuildFax report.
“BuildFax is one more tool we can provide to our subscribers to deliver the most accurate and reliable real estate information available in the marketplace,” says James Harrison, president and CEO, MLSListings, Inc. “These reports are especially valuable for short sales and REO/bank owned properties, which often are listed ‘as is.’ In these instances agents and consumers can use BuildFax to independently validate historical additions, repairs and value.”
BuildFax reports provide prospective homeowners insight into permitted home improvements and renovations, not found in property tax records. Building permit details document condition of a property, bring to light potentially imminent major expenditures, and identify possible issues early on ? such as open permits or unpermitted work ? that could impede on a smooth closing.
“These reports are an essential, highly cost-effective way of doing your homework on a property. As such, reviewing building permit records is quickly becoming a standard practice for due diligence on a property transaction across the industry – all the way from lenders to insurers. Now we are making that same property intelligence easier to access for real estate brokers, agents, buyer, and sellers,” says BuildFax President Holly Tachovsky.
BuildFax is currently available on www.MLSListings.com.
