Tips for online house hunting this winter
How to avoid disappointment when viewing a home in person after viewing the online listing.
With the chill of winter settling in, potential homebuyers are understandably hesitant to brave the cold unless a property truly piques their interest. To help buyers navigate the online property market effectively and ensure each in-person viewing is worth the effort, REMAX Southern Africa offers valuable insights and practical tips."Winter is the perfect time to refine your online house-hunting strategies," says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa. "A strategic approach ensures you only visit properties that genuinely meet your expectations, keeping you comfortable indoors until necessary."
To avoid disappointment when comparing online listings to in-person visits, REMAX suggests the following:
Read descriptions carefully
While pictures can show you many of the details, it is important to look beyond the images and scrutinise the information in the listing description, such as dimensions, recent renovations, included amenities, and property conditions.
Check virtual tours or plans
To get a better understanding of the layout, it is useful to watch the listing video, go through the virtual tour, or examine the floor plans if they are available.
Examine photos critically
Listing photos are designed to show off the home in the best possible way. Pay attention to what the images aren’t showing you. Zoom in on the images to check for any visible damages such as cracks or leaks.
Don’t rely solely on property portals
Real estate brands often publish listings on their own websites before they reach major property portals. Staying tuned into these sites can give you an early advantage, helping you to spot and secure promising homes faster. Even better still, working closely with an agent provides exclusive insights and can offer early viewings of homes before they hit the market, ensuring you’re among the first to consider new listings.
By strategically using online resources and engaging with reliable real estate professionals, buyers can effectively identify worthwhile properties and minimise exposure to winter weather.
While online viewings are invaluable for initial research and narrowing down choices, Goslett warns that they can only go so far. “An emotional connection, which is a crucial aspect when choosing a home, can truly be felt only when visiting a property in person. Stepping inside allows buyers to experience the home's atmosphere, visualise their future, and make confident decisions based on genuine feelings and instincts,” he concludes.