Home Buying Online is a Customized Experience

Purchasing a new home can be a tedious and time consuming venture, but with the help of the Internet, many home buyers are cutting that time in half, with customized online searches. While online property searches aren't a new phenomenon, some of the options are. Buyers are becoming more specific in their wants and needs for properties from condominiums, row homes, or detached houses. Erin Ritter, 28, recently purchased a condominium in Philadelphia, but opted to do most of her searching online before heading out to survey properties. With the help of Philadelphia based realtors Prudential, Fox and Roach, Ritter was able to search for a condominium close to the city, with outdoor space in her price range. "The neighborhood search function was really important to me." Ritter said. "That helped me to drastically narrow down what I was looking for, because I knew where I wanted to live, and where I didn't." Condominiums are becoming an economical alternative for people looking to own without the maintenance repairs that come with owning a house. "Condos are the starter version of owning a home," Ritter said. "You don't have to worry about outside maintenance like snow removal and lawn care like you would with a house." The Internet has made searching properties according to buyers wants and needs so readily available to consumers that now people can do everything, even purchase a home, right online. In south Florida, properties are listed according to amenities like pets and parking on U.S. Condo Exchange, and offers can be made immediately with the click of a button. The Prudential, Fox and Roach website highlights home essentials, insurance, and mortgage services. There is even a link merging relocation and real estate for companies moving to Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland or New Jersey. Using the Internet to browse through property listings before making a purchase is a great way to start the home buying process. But, taking the time to follow up with a realtor in person is the best way to make sure you're getting what you pay for.