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Buying a home is a difficult task. And help in this matter is always welcome. Buyers mostly depend on friends, and relatives to suggest ideal properties to buy. And many more depend on brokers to do the same. Many people rely on online portals to buy a home because you conveniently get information about numerous properties with just a few clicks. It is convenient to find a rented house. However, many times brokers use tricks that results in loss for you.  In such a situation, when searching for properties online, what precautions should you take?

The advantage of such property portals is that you can easily see hundreds of properties with just a few clicks. This allows you to find a home in your preferred location, within your budget. You can also compare prices of other properties in that particular location. Most properties listed on such portals usually come under the resale category.

Real estate experts believe that there are a significant number of advertisements of properties on the internet. However, there is doubt on the authenticity of such data, especially regarding pricing.

Pradeep Mishra, the founder of Homents, says that when agents list properties online, they often provide incorrect photos. The specifications are wrong, and lower price for the flat is shown. This is done to attract the attention of potential homebuyers and generate leads. When people contact the agent, they are told that the listed property has already been sold, and they are encouraged to look at other properties.

Real estate portals verify property and agent information at the time of listing of properties  on their platforms. Many times, real estate brokers try to convince you. They alarm you  that the location where you are looking for a flat, prices will soon rise there. This makes you rush and make a quick decision. They force you to think that it would be better to buy the house before it would become expensive. After viewing properties on online portals, it’s essential to do some offline and online research. Talk to other brokers working in the location where you are thinking of buying that flat. You can also speak to people who have recently bought property in that society or area.

Before buying a house, visit the property. Do your own research. In the case of under-construction properties, you should check the project’s master plan, RERA registration, and occupancy certificate. Look at the builder’s track record of previous projects. Make sure that other buyers didn’t face any delay in getting the possession of the flat. Assess the amenities being provided and the construction quality of the project. You can also talk to people living in that project for insights.

In the case of resale properties, communicate directly with the property owner. In addition, check the possession letter, completion certificate, occupancy certificate. You must also check sales deed, mutation deed, chain deed, and encumbrance certificate. Having a good lawyer can help you in this process.

If any issues arise due to broker’s wrongdoing, whose responsibility is it?  The realty portal, or the real estate agent found through that portal?  Where can complaints about misconduct be made?

Most homebuyers don’t have a good idea about the real estate agent they find through online portals.
In such cases, take the numbers of 4-5 of the agent’s previous clients. Speak to them and learn about their experience with the broker.

Additionally, search online for information about the broker and check their social media accounts.
Many customers share their good experiences with brokers on social media, which can help you identify the broker.

The portal is good for searching homes at preferred location, finding out prices, and price comparison, says Mishra.  Property portals are only for  advertisements.  Don’t go by appearances, do your own research. The rest of the work you have to do yourself.  You are risking your money if you hadn’t done proper research,” he adds.

For saving your hard-earned money, offline research is crucial after you have finalised which home to buy on the  online real estate portals.