Using real estate websites to find a home online
Like many tasks these days, much of your home search can be done more efficiently online. There are multiple real estate websites that allow you to filter through hundreds of homes within minutes and from the comfort of your couch. So if finding your next home feels overwhelming, then using homebuying websites, apps or social media can be great ways to streamline your options. Better still, you can take advantage of real estate search tools, like filters or email alerts, so you never miss a home that could be the right fit.
How to read a listing on real estate websites
When you land on most real estate websites, you will see pages of listings, each with a photograph, along with some key information about the home, including the list price, the address, the square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. This allows you to see the top-level information at a glance and decide whether you want to know more.
Once you click on a listing, you’ll find more specific details about the property, including a property description, the taxes, when the property was listed and even the average price of sold properties in the same area. In most cases you will also be able to request a tour and find out about the next open house.
On houseful.ca, you’ll also find useful information about ratings for local schools, walkability scores for neighbourhood amenities and attractions, like parks or restaurants, and some highlighted features of the home, like whether it has open-plan living space.
Some listings will feature virtual tours of the home, so you can really get a sense of what to expect inside and decide whether it’s worth taking the time to view it in person.
If you find a property you’re especially interested in, you can then reach out to a real estate agent directly from the listing. They can provide valuable insights and assistance in your homebuying process. Since the agents are looking at listings all the time, they can bring useful intel to the table and can even suggest properties you may have overlooked.
How to filter listings on real estate websites
It can be overwhelming to see hundreds of properties when you first land on a listings page, but many real estate websites provide a filter function, which simplifies finding the right home. By defining your search criteria, you can quickly narrow down the options to those that are relevant to your budget, needs and preferences.
Most real estate sites will at least let you filter by location and price, but you don’t have to stop there. On houseful.ca, you can also add filters for the specific features you’d like, such as an outdoor living space, a brick exterior or granite countertops.
How to use real estate search tools
While it can be fun to search listings, you can cut out a lot of the leg work by using real estate search tools, like saved searches. Once you have decided on the features you’re looking for and added them as filters, many real estate websites will allow you to save your searches.
You can set up multiple different searches for different neighbourhoods, for example, and then set up email alerts for any new listings that meet your search criteria.
When you find a listing you like, you can then use the “favourite” or “save” function to keep track of it and compare it to other properties on your list.
How to find property records
In addition to information provided on real estate websites, you can also find property records for every province that can help you research a property’s history, such as previous sales, tax records and any known issues. You just click on your province and the relevant town or city and it will link you to the public property records for the area you’re interested in.
How to avoid real estate fraud
If you’re using reputable real estate websites to conduct your home search then you’re unlikely to find fraudulent listings, because there are verification processes in place to catch them. However, it’s still helpful to look out for, and be able to recognize, the red flags of a scam.
You should never provide your bank details or Social Insurance Number to a person claiming to be a seller online, especially if they have only communicated with you via email. You should also be wary of any listing that requests any sort of payment or deposit before viewing a property.
Of course, you can do a lot of your search online, but it’s always recommended that you see a home in person before putting any money down. Before you visit a property, it can be worthwhile to take a few moments and verify the address on Google Maps.
If you’re still feeling unsure, working with a trusted real estate agent, who knows how to spot any fraudulent listings, can help you verify a home for sale and guide you through the whole process.
How to find the support you need
Wherever you are on your home journey, Houseful is here to help you make your next move. Discover what you’re looking for with a personalized home search experience, access expert professional support with our network of agents and financial advisors from RBC, and find guidance resources on our blog, Reading Room.
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