Buying a property is a BIG decision. When it comes to searching for a house to buy, there are many different options to choose from.
With the introduction of new technologies daily, and emergence of online real estate comparison sites, it can be hard to come to a definite conclusion regarding your new home. We here at CANSTAR break down some of the most useful online real estate sites to help you through this process.
Major competitors
These sites are some of the most well-known Australia real estate sites on the web.
realestate.com.au
Since their small beginnings in a garage in 1995, realestate.com.au has grown to over 6 million people visiting their site every month. They, along with their partner website realcommercial.com.au, aim to provide comprehensive property listings and information to help property seekers and sellers at all stages of their journey.
A recent introduction that has been released is a brand new Real Estate Virtual Reality app, available when downloaded on Google Play. By downloading the app, buyers are able to taken into the homes they are looking at, in 360 degree virtual reality.
Are you ready to change the way you experience property? Check out the brand new realestate VR app: https://t.co/gcH6qVfcaB pic.twitter.com/6Hlgi0jrli
— realestate.com.au (@realestate_au) November 10, 2016
Homesales.com.au
Homesales is a relatively new, and emerging real estate site on the market, which has been increasing its popularity. As opposed to realestate.com.au, which gives people the opportunity to list their own houses, homesales is better known for its comprehensive listing of other realtors’ properties, who can then be contacted directly through their site.
Domain
With over 372,645 homes to choose from, Domain, a Fairfax Media business, is another serious competitor in the real estate market. Along with its partner site, Domain Rural, it aims to provide residential, commercial and rural property marketing solutions for a number of different consumers. It also has a wide social media presence, with over 124 thousand followers on Twitter, and over 675 thousand likes on Facebook.
#Sydney pool and tennis courts hit the market for $4 million https://t.co/1tjIJDl7EE pic.twitter.com/MhC6JddVxc
— Domain (@Domaincomau) November 24, 2016
RealestateVIEW
RealestateVIEW was first launched in 2001, and offers some good online articles, including 18 suburbs where it is cheaper to buy than rent, the “hippest” places to live in Australia and knowing your rights with squatters.
One of the main things that helps it stand out from the competitors, is its varying range of services provided on the website and subsequent apps. Such things include the advice centre, which provides advice in real time, and a comprehensive property data report.
Property Valuation Sites
Getting a property valuation is an essential part of the home hunting process. A property valuation will help guide you on suburbs and specific properties that might be in your reach and a property valuation will also be conducted by your prospective lender when you apply for a home loan. Here are some of the most well-known property valuation sites on the market.
CoreLogic
Making a purchase decision involving a house is always tricky. CoreLogic, along with their partner, Property Value, aims to help to provide you with the complex data and analysis you need – in a format that’s simple, targeted, and easy to use.
Their database has more than 4 billion property decision points and by combining their own proprietary data with diverse public information, they are able to provide accurate and up-to-date data and analytics.
onthehouse.com.au
Onthehouse are another property valuation site and with the recent release of their app, they are taking the real estate world by storm. They also have a suburb evaluation function so you can see the median price, age group, and demographic of the suburb, before you consider moving.
Here’s our top 5 tips to help you research your next #property https://t.co/I9Ox0iSty9 #ausproperty #realestateau pic.twitter.com/CW4unk1TJX
— onthehouse.com.au (@onthehouse_au) November 23, 2016
Websites such as Domain, and realestate.com.au also have property valuation tools on their sites, making it extra handy that you can do everything in the one place. There are numerous other property valuation sites as well to choose from, just make sure you do your fair share of research before making a purchase decision. Sometimes it may even be a good option to compare two or three different sits together so you know you’re getting the best price possible.
Lender’s Mortgage Insurance
Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is an insurance policy that protects the lender (in other words, the financial institution) from financial loss in the event that the borrower (you) can’t afford to keep up your home loan repayments.
For more information about LMI is, and how it works, click here
We go through one of the most well-known LMI websites on the market.
Genworth
Genworth is a leading provider of Lenders Mortgage Insurance in Australia and has commercial relationships with over 100 lenders across Australia, including three of the four major banks. They pride themselves on their focus in delivering the highest levels of personalised service, and have shown a keen ability to understand the market, through a commercial approach.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA)
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) is the national professional association for Australia’s real estate sector. It is an organisation that provides research and well-informed advice to the Federal Government, Opposition, professional members of the real estate sector, media and the public on a range of issues affecting the property market.
Housing affordability needs addressing!https://t.co/mrfK9KH6iP@FinancialReview #affordablehousing #REIA #FinancialReview
— REIA (@REIANational) September 29, 2016
Nationwide
Each state in Australia also adheres to various websites under the REIA, each enforcing the particular rules for that state, so ensure you check them all out.
Real Estate Institute of ACT
Real Estate Institute of TAS
Real Estate Institute of WA
Real Estate Institute of SA
Real Estate Institute of VIC
Real Estate Institute of NT
Real Estate Institute of NSW
Real Estate Institute of QLD
Something for everyone
If property is something that you’re carefully considering, and you’ve finally found your dream home, it appears that you’re in the right place. Here at CANSTAR, we compare over 1,100+ home loans to help you find one to suit your needs. Start comparing with us today!
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The post What Are The Best House Hunting Websites On The Market? appeared first on Canstar.