Two local companies have created new online tools to help D.C. homebuyers navigate something they’re not quite used to: a buyer’s market.

Hotpads.com, a free online listing service that maps homes that are available for rent or for sale, recently created a tool to help home shoppers compare prices between the two in any chosen neighborhood.

As browsers adjust their requirements — how much they’re willing to pay per month, how many bedrooms they want and other specs — icons for available apartments and houses pop up or disappear from the 3-D map. Clicking on an icon brings up photos and more detailed information about the listing.

“It allows people to really get a feel for where the good deals are,” said Douglas Pope, HotPads’ director of operations. “Right now it’s kind of a turbulent housing market, so this is hopefully a better tool for people to say, ‘OK, sales prices are still high compared to what I can afford to rent, but maybe six months from now it’ll be a better time to buy.’ ”

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HotPads has about 5,500 for-sale listings and 1,500 rental listings in the Washington area.

For those who know they want to buy, Alexandria’s DROdio Real Estate recently created TheBestHomeSearchEver.com.

The site lets buyers search for area homes using the Multiple Listing Service — the same listing service Realtors use — and maps whichever homes the reader selects, providing directions to and between them.

“This free service … allows homebuyers to search the MLS on their own and print maps showing the most efficient route between listings so [they] can easily travel between home listings,” company owner Daniel R. Odio said.

MLS lists about 94,000 homes for sale in Virginia, Maryland and the District.

tluntz@dcexaminer.com