You’ve got to hand it to Trulia - they know how to stay ahead of the curve.

Not only does this tool provide you with the latest sales data for your neighborhood, but the UI allows you to sort by five different variables, each by neighborhood:

1. Avg. listing price
2. Avg. sale price
3. Median sale price
4. Avg sq ft price
5. Trulia popularity

Granted, the Trulia popularity number is skewed by blogger geeks, enterprising agents, and if my comments tab is any indication - spambots. And nevermind that the remaining “local scene” information is tossed in there like a cereal box toy. These are small things.

Here’s what would make it better: A community of people who want you to succeed. For instance, Zillow released an API and made themselves hundreds of allies, overnight. Hmmm..

Popularity: 16% [?]

IDX, a Eugene-based company, seems to be doing very well. They continue to expand into new regional and local MLS markets, and are doing a good job of working WITH the MLS and agents by offering agents a low cost (starting at $39/month) way to display MLS listings on their sites. This is especially helpful for smaller agencies and brokerages that up until recently have been forced to pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars to accomplish the same thing.

Biased about local companies?? You bet!!!

Popularity: 11% [?]

Here’s a starter home in the Willakenzie area of Ferry Street. Actually a great deal at $160 sq. ft on 1/3 acre of land. Does that mean it needs to be updated inside and out? Definitely.

Popularity: 8% [?]