Using Technology for Home Buying Research

In today's digital era, technology has revolutionised almost every aspect of our lives, including how we buy homes. The internet has made it easier to search for and buy properties online, providing us with a wealth of information and digital tools. 

Technology has empowered home buyers to take control of the entire home-buying process, from online property searches to virtual home tours. In this article, we will explore how you can leverage technology to conduct research, find your dream home, and make informed decisions in your tech home buying journey. 

Online Property Search 

Gone are the days when you had to rely solely on real estate agents or newspaper listings to find your dream home. With the advent of technology, you can now conduct a comprehensive property search from the comfort of your home. Several online platforms and websites offer a wide range of properties, allowing you to filter your search based on your preferences. 

For example, popular property portals provide features like advanced filters, location-based search options, and interactive maps to help you narrow down your options. These platforms also allow you to save searches and receive notifications when new properties matching your criteria become available. 

Digital Home Tours and Tools 

Once you have shortlisted a few properties based on your online research, it's time to look closely at them. Virtual home tours have become increasingly popular and accessible in recent years. These tours allow you to explore the property remotely and get a 360-degree view of the space. 

Digital tools like interactive floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, and high-resolution images enhance the virtual home tour experience. These tools provide a detailed view of the property and help you visualise how your furniture and belongings would fit in the space. 

This can be particularly useful if you cannot visit the property in person or if you're considering multiple properties and want to compare them. 

Inspecting Homes Virtually 

Traditionally, home inspections have been an essential part of the home-buying process. However, circumstances may sometimes prevent buyers from attending inspections in person. In such cases, virtual home inspections offer a convenient alternative. A virtual home inspection involves a professional inspector visiting the property and sharing detailed photos, videos, and reports with you digitally. 

This technology-driven solution allows you to see any potential issues or damage to the property without being physically present. Virtual home inspections became especially relevant during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing guidelines were strict. 

Technologies Transforming India’s Housing Market 

Due to technology, India's housing sector has experienced significant changes and advancements. Let's dive deeper into how technology is reshaping different stages of the project life cycle, particularly in the context of tech home buying.

1. Project Launch Stage 

During a project's launch stage, technology plays a crucial role in providing buyers with transparent and authentic data. Online property marketplaces have evolved from simply listing properties to offering relevant content, analytics, and insights for informed purchase decisions. 

These platforms synchronise with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) to provide accurate information and reduce reliance on intermediaries. Buyers can access valuable features such as asset comparison, valuation, and demand-supply analysis, making property search more convenient and empowering. 

2. Pre-Sales Stage 

In the pre-sales stage, developers are leveraging digital tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to showcase their projects effectively. VR and AR technologies enable potential buyers to experience residential projects virtually, giving them a realistic feel for the layout, design, and ambience. 

3. Post-Sales Stage 

After the sale, technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication between buyers and developers. Dedicated customer portals provide buyers with essential information about their property, including payment schedules, project updates, documentation, and customer support. 

These portals also offer mobile apps that enhance post-sales engagement by providing easy access to maintenance services, site visits, personal updates, and other project-related information. 

Additionally, developers can use drones for construction monitoring and updates, ensuring transparency and efficient property management. 

4. Management of Property 

Technology has also made significant strides in managing properties efficiently. Property management software platforms enable developers to provide comprehensive solutions to homeowners, including online payment options tailored specifically for property-related transactions. 

These platforms offer secure and convenient payment channels such as credit/debit cards, net banking, and digital wallets. By eliminating cash transactions, these platforms enhance transparency, reduce the risk of errors, and simplify the overall property management process.