Searching for a house online

AntennaMan

AntennaMan

Expert Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2014
Messages
2,704
Reaction score
1,493
Good morning

I have recently started using Property24 and PrivateProperty for looking at houses for sale. I am only using this as a reference and will approach a proper estate agent when the time comes.

The one this that frustrates me is that only a small number of advertisers list the floor size and erf size of the properties.
And then the websites themselves also don't have filters for this. You can specify type,number of bedrooms,bathrooms,garages, but not erf/floor size. This is quite frustarting especially since we want something with a large yard.

Who else is having trouble with this?
 
Was in the same boat as you. Best advice I can give you is to go out and view the houses as the pics will not always be an accurate reflection of the house. Some agents don't even bother taking pics with a decent resolution, and others can't even be bothered to give a detailed description.

If you can, rather work with a reputable agent and explain in detail what you're looking for. Don't be too rigid with your requirements though as some places might only meet 90% of your needs, but then the price might justify the purchase.

Also, don't allow an agent to pressure you into making an offer. If you do like a house, take a day or 2 to think about it, then view the house again. The last thing you want is to end up with buyers regret.

Happy house hunting.
 
privateproperty is one of the better ones
but ya, it seems SA realtors are still too thick to embrace technology properly

you'd think basic things like photography, proper photos of interiors would be a standard
 
Last edited:
The pictures are sometimes misleading as well. They stretch it, leave out the ugly spots etc.
Also, a number of properties are listed when they are already sold.

I actually found my current property on Gumtree.

Contact an agent, tell them your requirements, state that you are pre-approved and watch them jump :)
 
These people advertising on these websites do take laziness to a whole new level. Lots of info and good quality pics are a must.

But like I mentioned, we will approach a proper estate agent before we buy.

Also, don't allow an agent to pressure you into making an offer. If you do like a house, take a day or 2 to think about it, then view the house again. The last thing you want is to end up with buyers regret.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.
 
Yes this is very irritating. I want the ability to filter out places that doesn't have a big enough erf.

That is one of my main criteria
 
phoneJunky said:
Yes this is very irritating. I want the ability to filter out places that doesn't have a big enough erf.

That is one of my main criteria
Click to expand...

Then you are in exactly the same boat as myself.

As a side note, I do not appreciate your signature!
 
phoneJunky said:
Yes this is very irritating. I want the ability to filter out places that doesn't have a big enough erf.

That is one of my main criteria
Click to expand...

I fail to understand how square meterage information is not readily available. Considering the amount of money involved, agents should at the very least provide the sqm of the erf and sqm of the building. It should be mandatory if they want to list on any of the major property websites.

That said, IMO www.iolproperty.co.za is the best of the lot.
 
AntennaMan said:
These people advertising on these websites do take laziness to a whole new level. Lots of info and good quality pics are a must.

But like I mentioned, we will approach a proper estate agent before we buy.



Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...

No prob. Just 1 more thing, based on my experiences, you don't need to use a bond originator. I just think it's better to negotiate directly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X