Gone are the days when house hunting meant circling ads in the morning paper or walking through sought-after neighborhoods in a bid to see a ‘For Sale’ sign standing proud in a sizeable front yard. In today’s digital world, technology is taking a prominent role in helping people find the home of their dreams – so let’s delve a little deeper to see exactly how technological advancements (namely the internet), have revolutionized property searches.
Property portals are commonplace
Property portal sites – such as Forrent.com – make the process as quick and hassle-free as possible, providing relevant information based on certain criteria. With the ability to refine searches and set up notifications when a suitable property crops ups, it’s easier than ever for prospective buyers and renters to not only see what’s on the market, but to peruse each listing at their leisure – be it via the main property portal website or via one of the many property-related apps available to download onto multiple gadgets.
And, seeing as over two thirds of Americans now own a smartphone, the need for mobile house hunting tools is very real with real estate agents and property listing sites jumping on the app bandwagon left, right and centre. People are simply used to having the facts at their fingertips in this fast-paced, impatient modern era which explains why property sites are becoming more tech savvy.
Digital communication is popular
Once upon a time, you had to pop into an estate agent’s office in order to arrange a viewing. Nowadays, however, you can simply drop them a line, send them a quick email or fill out an automated form which will systematically inform you of your viewing timeslot. The housing market is both fast-paced and competitive with many buyers scrambling to see the same popular properties meaning agents rely more and more on digital communication helping them to save time.
Informative sites help us make a decision
Come across a house online? Like the way it looks? Well before you even arrange to see it in person, you’ll most probably log onto one of these incredibly handy safety sites to ensure it’s located in a good area. While neighborhoodscout.com will tell you everything from crime rates to how good the local schools are, similarly crimereports.com will help you order crimes by date, type or by proximity to the address you entered.
Moreover, if you’re serious about moving and have found a property that looks interesting, you may well turn to Google Maps in order to make the most of the Street View functionality. This can help you get a closer look at the property in question as well as the local area and is an extremely helpful house hunting tool providing visual information estate agents can’t give you unless they accompany you for a viewing.
Technology has certainly changed the way we choose a property – after all, can you really imagine looking for a new home without the help of the internet? Browsing various properties online is certainly valuable, as is all the information readily available, but remember, before you sign on the dotted line, it’s always best to see your new home in person to ensure it’s right for you.
