With the internet literally at our fingertips at any given hour of the day, most of us want to take care of the majority of our affairs online if and when possible. Statistics overwhelmingly prove that such is the case when it comes to shopping for a home to purchase. There are specific actions you can take to successfully research a property online and make sure you can find out everything the internet has to offer about that home ahead of time. But first, let’s look at some statistics.
According to National Realtor Association surveys:
- 90 percent of home buyers searched online at some point during their home buying process
- 100 percent of home shoppers have used the internet to research a specific home
- 77 percent of first-time buyers drove by a home viewed online
- Real estate searches on Google grew 253 percent between 2008 and 2012
In addition to using the internet for preliminary home searches, it can also be useful for those who have narrowed down their options. Here are a few ways to successfully research a property online at any point during your next home search.
Google Street View.
The pictures offered on a home’s listing may not always be enough to get the best visual impression of a property, but using Google Street View can be the closest alternative to seeing a property in person. Google Street View can allow you to view the home, surrounding homes and neighborhood from a variety of angles. Keep in mind, however, that the photos you find on Google Street View may not accurately represent the property as it is in its current state—if the photos are dated.
Home ownership records.
Real estate transactions are a matter of public record, so information like a home’s current and previous owners, sales history, property value and more should be accessible online. Visit the county tax assessor’s website, or the website for the municipality in which the home resides.
Public building records.
Most municipal records regarding a building’s permit history are now available online. You may be able to determine what type of work has been done to the property in the past depending on the permits it has been issued. If you know that work has been done to the property, but you cannot find a permit for it, then it is possible that the work was done without a permit and therefore may not be up to code.
Crime reporting pages or apps.
Many communities host social media pages on which neighbors report crime or suspicious activity. In addition, crime reporting apps exist that can allow you to see where crimes have been reported in the area of your potential new home. Tools like these can let you track crime trends and determine whether the neighborhood is one that you really want to live in.
Whether you are starting your home search online or referring to the web as a resource somewhere along the way, there are several ways to go about discovering information about a home that you are interested in before you even step through the front doors. Use these tools to your advantage to help narrow down your home search!
For your real estate needs in the Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin areas, contact Realtor Ryan Roberts today at 334-750-9872 or email [email protected]!
