How to Get the Most Out of a Craigslist Search Tool
If you want to search all of Craigslist or take advantage of other features that the website itself does not have, you may choose to use a search tool. If so, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the website or desktop app you use.
Craigslist Search Tool Tip #1: Take Advantage of Price Ranges
I don’t care if you are the richest person in the world; Why pay more than necessary? Whose. Whether it is to buy a house, rent an apartment or buy a new kitchen table; Set a price range. Decide how much you want to pay and go from there.
Most search tools (website based or desktop) have price ranges for you to fill in. The minimum price is something low, like $1, and the maximum price is how much you’re willing to pay.
Craigslist Search Tool Tip #2: See Only Image Ads
Who wants to buy something they’ve never seen before? Not you! So, don’t bother wasting time browsing hundreds of headlines with no images attached. Images are not only good for used clothing, televisions, and more, but also apartments and houses.
Most desktop search tools and some Craigslist.org search sites allow you to view only image ads. You can do this if you are determined to only buy something that you can see. However, also consider emailing the seller to have them send you a photo; most will.
Craigslist Search Tool Tip #3: Use Search Filters
Not all search tools and Craigslist websites have additional search filters for you to use, but a good percentage do. What can these additional and optional filters do for you? They can help reduce the results. So let’s say you’re looking for a house to buy or an apartment to rent. You can use a home search filter to find only two-bedroom homes.
Craigslist Search Tool Tip #4: Set Up Alerts If Possible
Email alerts are rarely offered on a search website, but are common with desktop applications. If you turn on an email alert, you’ll be emailed each time a new item appears on Craigslist or another classified website that meets your search standards. This eliminates the extra searching required to get a good deal. If email alerts aren’t enabled, your best bet is to check often. Remember, Craigslist.org is a very popular website. While many items are listed every day, even more bargain hunters are trying to pick them up.