Searching for a home online is convenient, fast, and full of opportunities, but only if you know how to use the right tools. One of the most important tools available on any real estate website is the search filter. Filters allow you to narrow down thousands of listings and focus only on the homes that meet your needs and goals. Without filters, your home search can quickly become overwhelming. With them, it becomes a focused, efficient journey to the perfect property.At 90 Days Listing, we believe that a smarter search leads to better decisions. Below, we break down the most important filters every buyer should use, along with the specific criteria to look for.
1. Location Filters
One of the most critical decisions when buying a home is where to live. The location affects everything—from your daily commute and school zones to property taxes and neighborhood amenities. Using a location filter helps you narrow down your search to the areas that best match your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re looking in a specific city like Lake Worth or zooming into a particular subdivision, this filter ensures you’re only browsing homes in your desired areas. Most home search platforms, including 90 days listing, allow for precise geographic filtering so you can target neighborhoods with high accuracy.
Filter criteria to use:
- City or town name (e.g., Lake Worth, Wellington, Boynton Beach)
- Zip code (e.g., 33467, 33414)
- Neighborhood or subdivision (e.g., Isola Bella, Bent Creek)
- School district
- Proximity to work or key locations (e.g., downtown, beach, hospitals)
- Map drawing tool to define custom search boundaries
2.Price Range
Before falling in love with a home online, it’s important to filter by your budget. Setting a price range helps ensure that you only view homes you can realistically afford. Whether you’re a first-time buyer with a tight budget or a luxury buyer seeking high-end properties, defining your price range avoids wasting time on listings that are out of financial reach. This also helps real estate platforms like 90 Days Listing show you properties that align with your loan pre-approval or cash budget. By applying this filter early, you stay focused and avoid emotional decisions based on homes that exceed your limits.
Filter criteria to use:
- Minimum price (e.g., $250,000)
- Maximum price (e.g., $600,000)
- Homes with recent price reductions
- Estimated monthly payments (including taxes and insurance)
- Filter by affordability based on pre-approval amount
3. Property Type
When searching for a home online, it’s important to select the type of property that best suits your lifestyle and future plans. Not everyone is looking for the same kind of home—some prefer the privacy and space of a single-family house, while others seek the low-maintenance lifestyle of a condo or townhome. Investors might focus on multi-family properties, while those building from scratch might be searching for land. By using the property type filter on 90 Days Listing, you can immediately eliminate listings that don’t fit your goals and hone in on homes that match your living or investment needs.
Filter criteria to use:
- Single-family homes
- Condominiums
- Townhomes or villas
- Multi-family units (duplex, triplex, etc.)
- Mobile or manufactured homes
- Lots or vacant land
- Farm or ranch properties
- New construction homes
4. Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is one of the most basic, yet most important, filters to use when shopping for a home online. It directly affects the comfort, functionality, and long-term suitability of the property—especially for growing families, multi-generational households, or those who frequently host guests. Whether you need an extra room for a home office or a bathroom for every bedroom, using this filter ensures that your search includes only homes that fit your household’s needs. On 90 Days Listing, you can easily set your desired minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms to streamline your search.
Filter criteria to use:
- Minimum number of bedrooms (e.g., 3+ bedrooms)
- Minimum number of bathrooms (e.g., 2+ full bathrooms)
- Inclusion of half baths (powder rooms)
- Primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom
- Guest or in-law suite options
5. Square Footage and Lot Size
For buyers who value space, filtering by square footage and lot size is key. Whether you’re looking for a large open floor plan or a big backyard, these filters help tailor your search to homes that match your spatial needs.
Filter criteria to use:
- Minimum interior square footage (e.g., 1,500+ sq ft)
- Maximum square footage (optional)
- Lot size (e.g., 1/4 acre, 1/2 acre, 1 acre+)
- Acreage for rural or estate properties
6. Year Built
The age of a home can reveal a lot about its condition, design style, and even the level of maintenance required. Some buyers are drawn to newer homes that offer modern layouts, energy-efficient systems, and turnkey living. Others prefer the charm, character, and craftsmanship found in older homes, even if they require a bit more care. By filtering for the year a home was built, you can easily narrow your search to homes from a specific era that align with your preferences, renovation tolerance, or resale goals. On 90 Days Listing, the year built filter helps you target properties with the age and style you’re most comfortable with.
Filter criteria to use:
- New construction homes (built within the last 1–5 years)
- Recently built homes (e.g., built after 2000)
- Mid-century homes (e.g., 1950s–1970s)
- Historic properties (e.g., pre-1940)
- Custom range (set a minimum and/or maximum year built)
7. Days on Market
This filter shows you how long a property has been listed. New listings may be in higher demand, while older listings might offer room for negotiation. If you’re aiming to act quickly or find hidden deals, this filter is invaluable.
Filter criteria to use:
- New listings (within 1–3 days)
- Listings under 7 days on the market
- Properties listed over 30 days
- Recently updated listings
8. Open Houses and Virtual Tours
In today’s fast-paced market, the ability to view homes quickly and conveniently is a huge advantage. Whether you prefer in-person visits or browsing from your phone or computer, filtering for open houses and virtual tours allows you to take the next step with ease. Open houses are ideal for buyers who want to explore a property without scheduling a private showing, while virtual tours give you a feel for the home without ever leaving your couch—perfect for remote buyers or those short on time. On 90 Days Listing, you can filter for properties that offer scheduled open houses or interactive virtual walk-throughs.
Filter criteria to use:
- Open house this weekend or today
- Homes with virtual tours or video walk-throughs
- 3D or Matterport interactive tours
- Live-streamed open house events
- Homes available for immediate private showings
9. School District
For families, schools are a top priority. Filtering by school district or school rating can help ensure your children attend top-performing schools or are placed in a desired district.
Filter criteria to use:
- School zone (elementary, middle, high)
- Specific school name
- GreatSchools rating (8+, 9+, 10)
- Public vs. private school availability nearby
10. Home Features and Amenities
When buying a home, it’s the specific features and amenities that can truly make or break your decision. Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious kitchen, a backyard oasis, or eco-friendly features, these elements contribute significantly to your comfort and quality of life. Filters for home features allow you to find properties that meet your exact desires, ensuring you don’t waste time on homes that lack key elements. On 90 Days Listing, you can filter for homes that offer desirable amenities, making your search much more efficient and tailored to your needs.
Filter criteria to use:
- Swimming pool (in-ground or above-ground)
- Fireplace (gas, wood-burning, or electric)
- Walk-in closets (especially in the master suite)
- Home office or designated workspace
- Fenced yard or gated property
- High-end appliances (e.g., smart refrigerators, gourmet ovens)
- Energy-efficient features (solar panels, smart thermostats, double-pane windows)
- Waterfront property (lake, ocean, or canal views)
- Basement or attic (finished or unfinished)
- Luxury finishes (granite countertops, hardwood flooring)
11. HOA Details
Some buyers want the amenities that come with a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), while others want to avoid fees and rules. You can filter by HOA presence and even review HOA fees where available.
Filter criteria to use:
- HOA vs. no HOA
- Low HOA fees (e.g., under $200/month)
- Gated community
- HOA fee amount range
12. Pet-Friendly Homes
Moving with pets? Make sure the listings you’re viewing are welcoming to your furry family members. This filter ensures you only browse homes where pets are allowed and practical.
Filter criteria to use:
- Pet-friendly property
- Fenced backyard
- HOA with pet allowances
- Proximity to parks and trails
13. Accessibility Features
Accessibility is an important feature for many buyers. Whether you’re aging in place or caring for someone with mobility needs, you can filter for homes that are already equipped with accessible layouts and features.
Filter criteria to use:
- One-story homes
- No-step entry
- Wide doorways and hallways
- Walk-in showers or ADA-compliant bathrooms
14. Foreclosures and Investment Properties
Buyers looking for deals or investment opportunities should focus on filters that show distressed or discounted properties. These homes may require work but can offer excellent return potential.
Filter criteria to use:
- Foreclosure or bank-owned homes
- Short sales
- Fixer-uppers
- Income-producing properties (e.g., duplexes)
15. Listing Status
When searching for a home, it’s essential to know whether a property is still available or has already been taken off the market. The listing status filter helps you avoid wasting time on homes that are already under contract or sold. It allows you to focus solely on active listings that are currently accepting offers. In addition, filtering by listing status can help you spot recently updated listings or coming soon properties, giving you a competitive edge in a fast-paced market. On 90 Days Listing, you can easily find homes that are actively for sale and make informed decisions based on the most up-to-date information.
Filter criteria to use:
- Active listings (currently available for sale)
- Coming soon (properties not yet available but listed for future sale)
- Under contract (homes that are pending but not yet closed)
- Price reduced (homes with a recent price drop)
- Sold (view homes that have recently closed for market research)
Final Thoughts – Let Filters Be Your Guide
Using the right search filters can significantly enhance your home-buying experience, transforming what could be an overwhelming process into a streamlined, efficient journey. By applying filters such as location, price range, and home features, you’re not just narrowing down your options—you’re actively focusing on homes that align with your budget, needs, and lifestyle. At 90 Days Listing, we offer a wide variety of filters that help you find exactly what you’re looking for, whether you’re searching for a cozy condo or a sprawling family home.
The power to search smarter is in your hands. Take the time to set your filters, apply them strategically, and watch your dream home search unfold. With the right tools, the perfect home is just a few clicks away!
- Start your search today at 90DaysListing.com and make the most of your home-buying journey.
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