A few words about PropertyShark, the wonderful online resource everyone should be using.
When I was first introduced to propertyshark, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of use of the site, the lack of advertising banners, and the overall straightforward approach to doing what the site sets out to do: provide current information about houses. It’s kind of a “background check” on a property. Too many other “information” sites on the web clutter the works. They dilute the intent of the site and thus confuse those who use the site seeking information.
Propertyshark does it right and does it best. Clear intent and purpose and the site gets you what you need with the least fuss possible.
In the beginning I was warned by my underwriting staff to be wary of the accuracy of information on propertyshark. I have found, though, over time, the site is very accurate. I use the site mostly for verifying property taxes for my clients when I qualify them. I want to be as accurate as possible when quoting a monthly mortgage payment.
The site is loaded with other features which I really don’t use. I imagine the average house-shopper doesn’t need those features either.
These extras seem to be directed more for people interested in investing in properties. In my experience, Buyers have always wanted to know what’s “behind the curtain,” when considering buying a house. To my mind the behind the scenes information just doesn’t have any value in the Buyer’s decision-making process.
What does it matter what someone paid for the house back in 1997? What does it matter how many mortgages they have on the house now? Is that going to affect your quality of life when you buy the house? No. Is that going to help you to negotiate a lower price on the house? Heck, no. If anything, that extra information can just confuse an already complicated process.
Therefore the best use of propertyshark by a prospective Buyer is that of verification. Verify the legal status of a house: is it a legal OneFamily or a 2? Verify the property taxes so you have the best idea possible of your monthly mortgage payment (now THAT is something that affects your buying decision!). Take note if there are any liens against the property that may delay your closing on the house longer than you’d like.
These are important considerations in a buying decision. That’s why I like propertyshark for my clients. Verification information that helps them decide, “Buy,” or “No Buy.”
In Nassau County, the information on propertyshark is just not useful at all. That’s not propertyshark’s fault. The site is only as good as the information available to it. I think that is a result of the ultra-slow record-keeping process out here on the island.
The best source for Nassau County info is the Tax Assessor’s office. The link to that site is on my Links page. There you can find current property tax information and usually the legal status (1 or 2) for the property in question.
You should be aware that any house located within an incorporated Village in Nassau County is going to have another set of taxes, the “Village Tax,” that is not reported on the Nassau County website. You get that info the old-fashioned way: call the Village Hall to verify the taxes. (This hasn’t changed at all since I bought my first house in 1992 in the Incorporated Village of New Hyde Park; I called to verify the taxes back then, too)
So, for New York City propertyshark is an excellent and straightforward resource for Buyers. Just remember to keep it simple and use the site for basic information. All the rest of the stuff on the site really isn’t going to assist you to get the house at a better price, or faster, or with a prettier coat of paint.