As I've delved deeper into my local MLS I've discovered provided tools or add on application software tools that generate information that many agents either don't use or don't provide to the public. They are mainly in the area of statistical analysis. Most of the public knows that a CMA can show min, max, avg figures for sale prices, days on market, square footage, etc.
But some of the cool demographic information is embedded in some MLS statistics too like:
- education level by zip or neighborhood
- age distribution
- racial / ethnicity mix
- population density
- type of housing - single family, multi-family, condo
There are all sorts of bar and line graphs that can be created to show appreicating or depreciating prices over time and avg. sales price over time by areas.
I know I have barely scratched the service in this area and haven't taken my local Statistics class yet. But as information brokers to the public we all should be well-versed in this area. Not only would it be helpful to urban planners but also to provide rich information for buyers to better understand their local housing market.
Unfortunately, our statistics are not available to everyone. Only the principal broker has the ability to get into our statistics and I don't think that is as it should be. Is yours that way also?