Show HN: We just launched Homelight, a data-driven realtor finder

This is great.

Realtors have nothing but information. They are but a middle-man. They have played the game so well leeching money from both sides of the table. Unfortunately, even with the advent of the internet, it hasn't levelled the playing field enough for the middle man to completely disappear.

This is a good step towards a better model. Pokerfaced phoneys can't hide their history of quick-bucks anymore and are forced to deal with their reputation on the line.

Lawyers, bankers, accountants, doctors.. any profession could benefit from this model?

This is a terrific idea. I'm looking for a realtor now. Asking around for references doesn't work well - each individual will either refer someone they know (not useful), or someone they worked with once or twice (no comparison data).

The information you guys provide could be a good starting point. However, in my experience, having good metrics (number of sales etc., ) is not the only means to gauge the quality of a realtor. There are a lot of intangibles (not pushy, comfort level, knowledgeable, empathy to your buying/selling criteria etc.) are very important as well. If you simply go by sales numbers etc, the data will get heavily skewed in favor of big realtors, who can afford to hire a team of other people to work for them and thereby work on and close more deals.

I'm (hopefully) just finishing up my first experience with a realtor, and I wouldn't recommend anybody ever hire one on their desired terms due to the perverse incentives. This realtor talked a good game and was decent at getting people through the house, holding open houses, ongoing marketing, etc. But as soon as we got the first offer letter, she checked out and became utterly useless. I'd recommend either paying one a fixed fee for marketing only (still contingent upon closing), or a 20-30% commission on the part of the price above what a passive MLS listing would easily sell the house for. Basically, don't count on them actually representing you through negotiation and closing, as they will see it as a completed job that finishes itself and apply themselves to other clients.

Earlier today I was getting an application error when adding an agent, and now it is saying "No Agents found" when adding an agent- with email, license number, and name. The agent I am adding is a top producing agent and active on multiple MLS systems as well as a designated Realtor in California. Are you guys aware of this problem?

Whose side does this service serve? The buyer, or the seller?

As a buyer, my ideal agent would consistently close deals at prices lower than the offering price.

On the other hand, were I a seller, my ideal agent would consistently close deals at prices higher than the offering price.

I entered Santa Cruz CA in the main search bar and when I click Find Realtor, nothing happens. Horrible first impression to a real user. Some sort or message or verification would make me think the site isn't "broken". Mac, Chrome Version 23.0.1271.64

Best of luck!

Seems like an interesting idea, but upon submitting my location threw an application error.

Great looking site, but the main search box needs some work. It correctly prepopulated my location as 'Brooklyn, NY', but when I hit search, it took me to a result page for 'Rye Brook, NY' with no matches.

Trying to add an agent, but it is giving me an Application Error every time.

I really wanted to use this, but I had major problems with the search like others did. Looked for Virginia Beach and it refused to let me search there. Kept forcing Colonial Beach, VA

This is great. Location search is a bit flaky (can't find anything around New York under Chrome), but it looks very solid, and it looks like something I wish I had a year ago.

Nice site! One minor issue is the main search box; for me it is completely empty and I have no idea what I'm supposed to type into the box.

Congrats on the launch guys :)

Support for Canada?