README.md

Decatur Property URLs Scraper

Introduction

The Decatur Property URLs Scraper is an efficient tool designed to extract property listings from Craigslist based on specified search queries. This actor simplifies data collection by providing structured output, enabling users to analyze and utilize real estate information effectively.

Features

• Automated Data Extraction: Seamlessly scrape property listings with minimal setup.
• Customizable Search Queries: Tailor searches to specific needs using flexible input parameters.
• High-Quality Output: Receive well-structured JSON data for easy integration into workflows.
• Proxy Support: Utilize proxy configurations to enhance scraping reliability and anonymity.
• Scalable Performance: Efficiently handle large volumes of listings with adjustable limits.

Input Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description	Example
searchQuery	string	Yes	Search term to look up on Craigslist.	"account"
maxItems	integer	No	Maximum number of job listings to scrape (0 = unlimited).	100
proxyConfiguration	object	No	Proxy settings, including the option to use Apify Proxy.	{ "useApifyProxy": false }

Example Usage

Input JSON

{
  "searchQuery": "account",
  "maxItems": 100,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": false
  }
}

Output JSON

[
  {
    "postingId": 36067878,
    "title": "Midwest's largest piano store - open Sat & Sun!",
    "priceCents": 699,
    "priceDisplay": "$699",
    "url": "https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/argenta-midwests-largest-piano-store/spSrJE2PTeaDFEsKvFVo1j",
    "images": [
      "https://images.craigslist.org/00b0b_grXIvF8O17v_0jm0am_600x450.jpg",
      ...
    ],
    "hasImages": true,
    "hasMap": true,
    "location": "1:1~39.934~-88.8052",
    "latitude": 39.934,
    "longitude": -88.8052,
    "bedrooms": null,
    "bathrooms": null,
    "sqft": null,
    "repostToken": "spSrJE2PTeaDFEsKvFVo1j",
    "searchQuery": "account",
    "searchPath": "sse",
    "areaId": 569,
    "scrapedAt": "2026-07-15T08:32:56.029Z"
  }
]

Use Cases

• Market Research and Analysis: Gather data to understand market trends and property values.
• Competitive Intelligence: Monitor competitor listings for strategic insights.
• Price Monitoring: Track price changes over time for specific properties or areas.
• Content Aggregation: Compile listings into a centralized database for further analysis.
• Academic Research: Use real estate data for studies in urban planning, economics, etc.
• Business Automation: Integrate with CRM systems to automate property management tasks.

Installation and Usage

1. Search for "Decatur Property URLs Scraper" in the Apify Store.
2. Click "Try for free" or "Run".
3. Configure input parameters as needed.
4. Click "Start" to begin extraction.
5. Monitor progress in the log.
6. Export results in your preferred format (JSON, CSV, Excel).

Output Format

The output is a JSON array of objects, each representing a property listing with fields such as postingId, title, priceCents, url, and more. Key fields include:

• postingId: Unique identifier for the listing.
• title: Title of the listing.
• priceCents & priceDisplay: Price information in cents and display format.
• url: Direct link to the Craigslist listing.
• images: Array of image URLs associated with the listing.
• location, latitude, longitude: Geographical data for mapping purposes.

Error Handling

The actor is designed to handle common errors gracefully, such as network issues or changes in Craigslist's HTML structure. If an error occurs, it will be logged, and you can review these logs to understand the issue and adjust your parameters accordingly.

Rate Limiting and Best Practices

To ensure optimal performance and avoid being blocked by Craigslist:

• Use proxy configurations to distribute requests.
• Respect Craigslist’s terms of service regarding scraping.
• Adjust maxItems to manage request volume effectively.

Limitations and Considerations

• The actor is tailored for Craigslist, so results are specific to this platform.
• Proxy settings must be configured correctly to avoid IP bans.
• Output data may vary based on the availability and structure of listings at the time of scraping.

Support

For custom/simplified outputs or bug reports, please contact:

• Email: support@getdataforme.com
• Subject line: "custom support"
• Contact form: Get Data For Me

We're here to help you get the most out of this Actor!