10 Things to consider when searching for property online to Buy or Rent!

10 Things to consider when searching for property online to Buy or Rent!

Source From Private Property Reporter - Aug 28, 2020

Property portals are the main generating property searching platforms used in this day to find your suitable ideal home. And here are the 10 most important factors to keep in mind: 

1. Choose a reliable property portal: 
When searching for your ideal property, make sure you use a reputable property search portal like Private Property. Scams are very prevalent online, so you must access websites that are well regulated and thus have a low chance of scams occurring.
Pay attention to the grammar in the advert and any inconsistencies that may pop up. Use your discernment and remember, if something doesn't feel right, it most likely isn't.

2. Consider the location: 
Think about which location you'd like to purchase your property. The great thing about property portals like Private Property is the auto-fills the name of the location you are searching for property within. Added to that, Private Property has a Neighbourhoods section on their website, giving you greater insight into South Africa's various neighbourhoods, so that you can learn to know more about the area and make an informed property buying decision.
Ensure to always keep in mind the surrounding amenities. 

3. Have a price range: 
Having a budget in mind is important before searching for property online. What are the minimum and maximum amounts that you are willing to spend?
Knowing how much you'll spend on a property will narrow down your search and make it easier for you to browse properties.

4. Use search parameters: 
As previously stated, location and budget are important factors to consider for your online property search. You can make the most out of these by using search parameters. On property portals, you're able to not only search for locations but also search for property in specific price ranges. You can also search for specific types of property, property that is pet friendly with a certain amount of rooms, bathrooms, garages, parking, security and amenities.

5. Sign up for alerts:
Sign up for alerts for when a new property in your desired area is added onto the portal. This makes it easier to keep up with new listings.

6. Use emotion with logic: 
It's easy to get caught up in the fantasy of what's shown on your screen. The property may look beautiful and you may be able to picture yourself living there, but make sure you use your logic when browsing property online.
Do you need a property with 2 pools? That amazing property may be exactly what you pictured, but it's far from hospitals and your elderly parent who lives with you needs to get regular checkups. Whatever your situation, make sure you consider the practicality of the property you've viewed, in addition to how you feel about its aesthetic.

7. Have a top 3 property list
Make sure you narrow down your favourite properties. It's always good to have several options before committing to a specific property. Five is a good number to start with, and then you can narrow the properties down to 3 properties that you'll view in person.

8. Think about maintenance
Although viewing properties online isn't quite like viewing them in person, you can still get an idea of how the property looks through pictures. Look at the aesthetic and quality of the various rooms, the cupboards and wardrobes, carpets, tiles etc.
Buying an older property often means you'll have to deal with some old and outdated aspects that you'll have to renovate. Think about whether this is the route you want to take and if you'll have money to do so. Things such as pools and gardens are important to factor when thinking about maintenance as they also take a great deal of work and money.

9. Verify agents/agencies
Once you've selected your ideal property, you need to verify the estate agent. This can be done by searching the estate agent or agency's name on the Estate Agency Affairs Board's (EAAB) website to see if they are registered.

10. View the property in person
Lastly, make sure you view the property in person before putting pen to paper. You can't be sure what you're committing to until you see the property live. Although pictures and virtual tours can be a great way to get an idea of how the property looks, nothing beats being there in person and experiencing it for yourself.
Use all of these tips to make your online property search as seamless and productive as possible.