Real estate junkies will notice big changes on three Twin Cities real estate web sites, all of which are aimed at streamlining the user experience and making it easier to create custom searches.

Edina Realty, which launched in August is touting the simplicity of its new site. Coldwell Banker Burnet relaunched in late July with improvements that make it a "one-stop online real estate resource." Earlier this summer Remax Results created a new feature on its site that gives buyers a place to advertise their wants and needs.

These summer improvements aren't timed to anything particular, but do reflect growing competition among the big brokerages to attract buyers and sellers via digital technology, including the Web and social media. The vast majority of consumers have done significant research on the Web even before calling an agent, and with a broker reciprocity agreement that allows brokerages to access and share each other's listings, the competition for the consumer is fierce.

Are they better? You be the judge.