How to maximise your online property search

Due to COVID-19 and the national lockdown, potential buyers are no longer able to view prospective homes, but, just because ''On Show'' days have been put on hold, doesn't mean that you're not able to continue your search. Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate says that ''now is the ideal time for buyers to continue looking - the repo rate has dropped by 1% making it the perfect time to get a home loan at a favourable interest rate and due to the lockdown, buyers have more time to look for properties online''.

As convenient as searching online is, there are things you could do to maximise your search and help you find the perfect fit - without having to waft through multiple listings. Below you will find some useful guidelines

1. Determine your ideal home

The first step to finding your dream home is knowing what you want and what you're looking for. Make a list of the must-haves, deal-breakers and non-negotiables that you're looking for in a property.

Ask yourself:

• Free-standing or sectional title?
• How many bedrooms/bathrooms do I want?
• What is my preferred erf size?
• Do I want a ''ready-to-move-in'' property or am I looking for a fixer-upper?
• Are you wanting to live in a gated estate?

Once you have determined what kind of home you want, you can narrow down your online search even more.

2. Decide on a budget - and stick to it

Second to knowing what you want, is knowing how much you're willing and able to spend. Most online property portals have affordability calculators which can be used to determine an estimated home loan amount that you would qualify for.

Tip! The best way to know the home loan amount you qualify for is by getting pre-approved from either your bank or bond originator like the esteemed and well-known BetterBond. The pre-qualification certificate is cost-free and obligation-free and is solely there to help you know what you can afford. It also speeds up the process when you do find your dream home.

Once you know what your budget is, it will make your online search much easier as you will be able to filter the listings according to your price range. Greeff suggests that you ''make sure that when searching for your home, that you are within your budget but also leaving some room to negotiate in case there are multiple offers on the property you want''. By leaving some room to negotiate, you will be able to put in your offer, without adding financial strain, and you will be able to secure the property.

3. Location is everything

Knowing what you want and knowing your budget are the key essentials when searching for a home but so is the neighbourhood you choose. Every neighbourhood has its own qualities and they each cater for different lifestyles and in turn, different buyers. ''When searching for a home, you need to consider the type of lifestyle you have and if possible, try to gauge any changes in lifestyle for the next 5 years'' suggests Greeff. For example, if you have a family, you might consider an area where good schools are located whereas if you are just starting out and have no dependents, you might choose an area close to the CBD.

Once you have found the property, dig a little deeper into the neighbourhood and ask yourself the following questions:

• Will it be an easy commute to work and/or the kids' school?
• Is it close to a shopping center?
• How close is it to the major freeways?

The above are just examples of the factors you should consider when looking for a home. They play a very important role in the value of the home over time as well as aiding in your overall wellbeing.

4. Set up alerts

It's not likely that you'll find your ideal property on your first search but do not give up hope. The beauty of online searches is that you are able to save your filters and set up email alerts so when a property that fits your profile is listed, you will be notified. This is a sure-fire way to ensure that you're the first to know when a potential property becomes available - making it easier for you to be one of the first to place an offer.

We are privileged enough to live in a world where almost everything can be done online, including house-hunting. Of course, nothing beats going to a showhouse and seeing your dream home in the flesh so when the lockdown is lifted, make an appointment to view all properties that caught your eye and fingers crossed, one of them will be your forever home.