Tips for Online Property Search | Real Estate

Online property searching is the quickest way to research and find a property. Here are some tips that can help find the right property for you.

Property listings that do not offer a property address

When you come across a listing that does not offer a property address, this usually (but not always) means that the property is located on a main road or an undesirable location. The agent in this case wants you to contact them first before giving away the property details.

Open to offers

This is a tactic that is often used when the seller is trying to test the market. When you see an advertisement with “open to offers”, know that the seller is unsure of where to set the sale price. This tactic can also used when the asking price is higher that what the market is willing to pay. In these situations, a perspective buyer is lured to make an offer in hope of getting a bargain. Once the offer is made, the seller will make a counter offer. What happens afterward is up to you. The real estate agent has done their job by luring you in to make an offer.

Pictures can be deceiving.

Agents are hiring professionals to take property images that make the property look much larger than it actually is. If the image looks professionally done, just keep in mind that the bedroom might be smaller than what you see in the picture.

Property Description

Real estate agents are experts in using catchy words to describe a property and will gladly list all the positive features that are available. They will also describe some negative features in a positive light. So keep in mind that what is written in the description might no be what you see in reality.

Use all resources available

In Australia there are two major players in the online real estate business: Real Estate and Domain.  Even though these two companies hold almost all the online real estate listings, keep an eye out on the smaller players who are willing to offer extra features that will catch your eye.

Google real-estate is by no means a small player however, they are relatively new in the online real estate game. Google Real estate is a great way to search for properties via a map. You can quickly see the property and its proximity to schools and transport, if it is near a freeway or a park. You can also click on street view and see the property from the street without even visiting in person. Google Real Estate is a great service especially if you are interested in a particular area where searching via a map is more suitable.

On the House is a relatively new real estate website that allows you to find out how much the existing owner paid for the house. This can give you a great advantage when negotiating a purchase price as you already know how much the seller paid for the property. This service is free and you need to search with a map.

Check local newspapers. Local newspapers usually contain local properties not listed online.

Do a Flood report for the property. Some Local councils offer the service for free online and some local councils you need to visit their offices. A flood report will tell you if the property has any recorded flooding.

We at weplan.com.au believe that if we think that something will help our visitors, we will assist them even if it means writing about another website.