Property Footprints

Friday 30 March 2007

Property footprints are available for your use – if you know where to look.

Does your client want to see only properties with split bedroom plans, or demand to view the bonus room dimensions before riding out to a property? What if you don't have a broker-loaded floor plan attached to the listing?

No worries! iLink, the web-based iMapp application, provides an easy way to view the floor plans of listed properties by using the public records.

iLinks is accessible through MLXchange as a part of your MLS subscription. You can access the tool in three ways:

• From the information bubble that appears to the left of a search listing—the iMapp icon looks like a chain link (if you have a pop-up blocker, remember to press "CTRL" as you click to allow the window to open)
• From the listing detail page—the iMapp link appears in the left column
• Or simply perform a tax search by clicking "tax" from the menu bar (a property doesn’t have to be listed with the MLS for iMapp to have access)

Once you've selected the property, click on the "Building Sketch" tab.

For most properties, the county provides a building sketch with a description and layout of major features including garages and porches. As a REALTOR, if you notice structures on site that weren’t included in the building sketch, there is a chance that they were not built to code, and you should investigate further before accepting a listing or encouraging a buyer to complete the transaction.