Frequently Asked Questions

Designed by real estate agents for agents, Builders Update is the #1 online source for new home inventory. We use the latest map-based search technology to bring the most comprehensive and accurate listings of to-be-built homes, condos and lots directly to real estate agents and homebuyers.

First, Builders Update is available only to licensed real estate agents. Second, we are exclusively focused on to-be-built homes, condos and lots. Since we’re Web-based, our data can be accessed and updated 24/7 from just about anywhere at any time (unlike print media). The data is consistently updated for accuracy in real time. Our mapping features allow agents to search the same way a homebuyer does, making the agent’s job faster. Our patented system and online collaboration tools feature an industry-first Homebuyer Registration process that brings new levels of transparency and accountability to the agent/builder relationship. The site also features data on custom builders and other businesses and organizations involved in the new home buying process, such as lenders, title/escrow companies, landscapers, contractors, schools, HOAs, etc. Basically, we have all of the data an agent needs to facilitate selling new homes.

Absolutely not. A Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is associated with local agents in the market area who provide a higher level of service usually associated with a particular agent working through a brokerage firm. That agent is providing key marketing services to help meet a builder’s specific needs per an extensive marketing plan. The local MLS, paired with a top agent, is the most powerful tool individual builders can avail themselves of. Builders Update is the best way to augment an individual agent’s marketing plan, provided their builder adds their inventory data into the Builders Update system.

Agents and builder representatives now have a single site loaded with everything the agent needs to be able to sell a property. No more “phone tag” trying to get questions answered, or having to search ten different websites. All of the details can be acquired online in one spot: Floor plans, directions, contacts, prices, a map with directions, incentives—It’s all here, available 24/7.

The Builders Update Directory is the best way for businesses to put their products and services in front of licensed real estate agents. For everyone from custom builders to lenders, title/escrow companies, landscapers and pool contractors—basically any type of service you might consider when planning on moving into a new home—there is no better way to target your advertising at a low monthly cost. Directory listings are carefully cross-matched to agents operating in your city, metro or state, ensuring that your business is found by agents who are looking for service providers in your service area.

When vendors register, they designate the specific area(s) they service by state, metro or city. This geographic information is used in the Directory. When a licensed real estate agent finds a property on Builders Update, they often need to find service providers near that property for their buyer. When the agent selects the Directory tab, we show them the vendors providing services near their search area. The listings contains valuable information about the vendor, a link to their website, product and service images, and an ability to contact the vendor directly through the agent’s computer by either email or voice to deliver leads to vendors in real time.

Our Refer a Friend feature uses popular email and social networking platforms to invite potential users to check out Builders Update. When you make a referral, Builders Update emails a friendly introductory message on your behalf to the contacts that you specify.

You can upload your entire contact database from Gmail, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yahoo! or MSN Hotmail. You can email select contacts. Or you can post your invitation on your friends’ Facebook timelines, or send them a Tweet!

Searches of the system are free to homebuyers and all actively licensed real estate agents who have registered as users; and we offer builders and vendors a free introductory period to use the service. During this free period, builders are required to add their inventory, and vendors are required to create a listing in the Directory. After the free introductory period for builders and vendors, we offer builders monthly, one time or annual contracts to have their properties listed in the database. Vendor contracts are monthly or annual to maintain their listing in the Directory.

We are offering two options: $25 per month with an introductory special of 20 free clicks. Or $240 (one-time fee) for an entire year, which includes up to 240 free clicks. There is no long-term contract to be featured in the Directory.

Absolutely Not. Listing services are provided on a month-to-month basis for only $25 per month or, for additional savings, $240 for an annual contract. Whenever a vendor wishes to terminate their participation, they may disable their listing.

None, you have unlimited access.

Absolutely not! We respect everyone’s privacy and do not sell your data or personal information. Frankly, this is why we do this as a subscription model, so we can control the system and not be influenced by anything other than building a very efficient system.

Our data is only as good as the data provided to us by the builders or vendors. Vendors can update their information in real time for their listings. Our patented system time/date stamps every detail page so you can verify how fresh the data actually is. Typically, data is uploaded, re-verified, and updated if necessary every 24 hours.

After you do your search, you can further refine your criteria to identify a manageable list of suitable properties. Data is then presented in tables on Builders Update that can be quickly sorted or grouped by clicking the column headers. Properties or lots are automatically sorted by price from high to low or by grouping. Prices sort in numerical order. Subdivisions group homes by subdivision in alphabetical order. Service providers in the Builders Update Directory are grouped into specific categories.

Call us at (512) 901-9899 between 8 AM - 5 PM CST and we’ll get you fixed up. Or you can e-mail us at vendorsupport@buildersupdate.com and we will get you an answer.

Click on “Contact Us” in the menu at the top of your screen. We’d love to hear from you!

Click HERE to download W-9.