ZipRealty (NASDAQ: ZIPR)
(
www.ziprealty.com), the nation's largest online-based, full-service real
estate brokerage, announced today the launch of a new way for buyers to
search for MLS-listed homes online -- by estimated monthly mortgage
payment. When entering search criteria on ZipRealty.com, buyers can choose
'monthly payment' instead of 'home price,' allowing them to see homes for
sale within their monthly budget at their assumed interest rate.
"As rent prices climb higher nationally, the ability to search for listed
homes by an estimated monthly mortgage payment amount helps potential
buyers determine if it's better for them to rent or buy," said Patrick
Lashinsky, President and CEO of ZipRealty. "In today's market with
historically low interest rates, many first-time buyers don't realize that
they might actually pay more each month to rent than to purchase a
comparable home."
Other ZipRealty.com features and tools aimed at providing buyers with
detailed, customized information to help them determine whether they should
consider purchasing a home include:
-- New "Am I Better Off Renting?" Calculator
Would-be buyers can enter information including their current rent,
typical yearly rent increase, their estimated home loan amount and
interest rate to assist them in determining whether they could save
money by owning instead of renting.
-- Enhanced Mortgage Center
Buyers can get pre-approved for mortgages by ZipRealty's mortgage
partner, E-LOAN, at ZipRealty.com through programs designed
especially for first-time homebuyers.
About ZipRealty, Inc.
ZipRealty is a full-service residential real estate brokerage firm. The
Company utilizes its user-friendly Web site and employee real estate agents
to provide homebuyers and sellers with high-quality service and value.
ZipRealty's Web site provides users with access to comprehensive local
Multiple Listing Services home listings data, as well as other relevant
market and neighborhood information. The Company's proprietary business
management system and technology platform help to reduce costs, allowing
the Company to pass on significant savings to consumers. Founded in 1999,
the company operates in 34 major markets in 19 states and the District of
Columbia. For more information on ZipRealty, visit www.ziprealty.com or
call 1-800-CALL-ZIP.
Cautionary Language
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"safe harbor" provisions of the federal securities laws, including, without
limitation, that our full-service, non-traditional business model helps to
reduce costs and pass on significant savings to consumers, that rental
prices continue to climb and interest rates are low in the real estate
market. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from
those projected, including the risk factors set forth in our Form 10-K
filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and other
filings with the SEC including our quarterly Form 10-Qs and periodic Form
8-Ks. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made as
of today's date and, except as otherwise required by law, we do not intend
to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof.
Contact:
Marcus Gamo
Allison & Partners
415-277-4925
Email Contact
Katie Clark
Allison & Partners
415-277-4923
Email Contact