3 Google search tools that make you the neighborhood expert

I think we can all agree that Google has an insane amount of information. The bad thing is that sometimes we find ourselves searching through pages and pages of information just to try and find the answer we are looking for.

So, how can we make it easier to use Google and find great local information?

Start utilizing the three tips below, and you can leverage the local content found in Google and start becoming the neighborhood expert.

1. Take a different approach when searching

Did you know that you can do two Google searches at once? Depending on the topic, I find that this can produce more accurate results.

Just by adding “OR” between two search phrases, you now can use two phrases at once.

For an example, search for the following:

Louisville Construction Plans OR Louisville Development

Now, try adding quotation marks around both phrases as seen below to get a more exact match.

“Louisville Construction Plans” OR “Louisville Development”

Once you have tried out the above search and made changes to fit your local area, try selecting the “News” tab to find even more engaging results.

2. Find great information about your area

One way to do this is by digging deeper for hidden content and searching Google by filetype instead of just keywords. A great file extension to focus on and search for is .pdf files.

For example: copy and paste the text below into your Google search bar:

filetype:pdf Neighborhood City

You will want to change the neighborhood and city text to a popular subdivision of your choice and the city in which the neighborhood is located within.

What this does is filter out the majority of results and only show .pdf files that have the keyword terms you are looking for. You might run across development plans, local newsletters or even local community events that might have been hidden and almost impossible to find.

Bonus: Try adding HOA to the search to find a copy of the Neighborhood Bylaws and Restrictions a Client.

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3. Set it and forget it: Google Alerts

This is one of my favorite tools. I look forward to checking these emails every morning. Google Alerts can keep you up to date with your favorite topic and send you alerts on what’s new in your area.

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Once you set this up, Google will start sending you daily emails with theses top articles. Only articles that include your selected keywords terms, though.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Go to Google Alerts
• Type in a keyword term
• Enter your email address
• Click “Create Alert”
• Done!

I recommend coming up with a handful of different alerts that you would like to monitor. Here are some examples to help get you started:

• [LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD]
• [YOUR CITY]
• [YOUR CITY] Events
• [YOUR CITY] Real Estate
• [YOUR STATE] Real Estate
• [YOUR NAME]
• [YOUR BRAND NAME]

Get creative. There are many tips and tricks that you can use with Google Search.

Hopefully, the ones mentioned above will be helpful for you gathering more information about your local neighborhood.

Nathan Garrett is a real estate agent at Garretts Realty Group – Coldwell Banker McMahan Co. Connect with him on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Email Nathan Garrett.