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More and more people each month are finding their new home or property online. The convenience and ease of browsing multiple listings, taking interactive virtual tours, and researching communities from the comfort of your living room or office is unmatched. When it comes to shopping for a new home, the internet offers a wide array of possibilities to help you learn about and find real estate. It’s a sensible, time-saving, and cost-effective way to approach this significant purchase—especially for couples who both work full-time. With limited time together, technology helps speed up the identification and, ultimately, the acquisition of your next home. In some cases, it can even bridge the geographical gap for cross-country moves. Whatever your reasons, online home-shopping offers many advantages.
As you begin your search, rest assured there are numerous real estate websites—both free and paid—that you can utilize. A simple search for “online real estate” on any search engine will get the ball rolling. These websites serve buyers, sellers, renters, and real estate agents alike. Most real estate sites allow you to set specific search criteria. (Hint: Start broad with your search to view more results—you can always narrow them down later.)
Real estate websites offer a wide variety of services. Some simply list homes with a few photos, while others provide tools like simulated negotiating experiences or even full-service features covering every step of the home-buying process. Be sure to investigate the site you’re using. Sometimes what appears to be a generic platform is actually run by one or more agents trying to grow their lead base. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these sites—it’s just important to know who you’re giving your information to.
Many real estate platforms are designed as one-stop shops. In addition to home listings, they often provide helpful tools such as a “Do I prequalify for a mortgage?” button, historical pricing graphs, or financing option selectors. Some tools are free, while others may be sponsored services—like a lender offering a mortgage calculator in exchange for lead generation. In these cases, the agent and lender both benefit from your interest.
With a bit of discernment, you can easily explore financing options online. Even at a basic level, you can use these tools to estimate key figures involved in your purchase—for example, the mortgage you may prequalify for or your estimated monthly payments. That said, speaking with a licensed mortgage broker can be a valuable next step to answer your personal questions. Don’t hesitate to consult someone who understands everything from market value to mortgage rates and real estate valuation.
Working with Agents and Exploring FSBO Options
Real estate websites are built to make online home shopping more convenient. They can help connect you with the listing agent (seller’s representative) or assist in finding a buyer’s agent. As a buyer, consider working with a real estate agent in a supplemental role alongside your own research. Generally, the seller pays the agent’s commission, so it may not cost you anything out of pocket. An agent can also provide insider knowledge about the neighborhood, property history, or community that isn’t available on public websites.
It’s worth noting that the seller will usually cover your agent’s fees—when you purchase the home from them—though this depends on the commission being offered. Some agents now ask buyers to sign Buyer Brokerage Contracts, ensuring they’re compensated for their services. While buyers typically don’t pay directly for agent services, shrinking commissions due to builder websites, REALTOR.ca, or FSBO platforms may impact agent compensation. Always clarify these details before proceeding.
You may also consider buying through FSBO, or “For Sale By Owner.” There are valid reasons to pursue an unmediated transaction, though working with a skilled real estate professional—like those discussed in the article “Hiring a Real Estate Agent”—can provide peace of mind and expert guidance.
A few words of caution: real estate language is not always straightforward. Be mindful of descriptors—terms like “cozy” might mean “small,” and “partial view” might mean a building is blocking what could otherwise be a great view. Additionally, beware of fraudulent listings, especially in rental markets. Scammers may post fake properties and request deposits to “secure” them. Never wire money under these circumstances. Legitimate property owners should be willing to meet in person or accept a cheque. Many websites have safeguards in place—like requiring sellers to verify their identity using a valid credit card—but personal discernment remains key.
The most trustworthy websites are typically those that act only as advertising platforms for sellers and do not participate in the transaction itself. These sites tend to offer more impartial listings.
Online home shopping has become much more common than it once was. Some buyers even purchase homes “sight unseen” through the internet and an agent, often using clauses such as “subject to buyer’s satisfaction upon viewing the property.” Searching online is growing in popularity and user-friendliness every day. With some research, smart decision-making, and possibly a little professional advice, shopping for a home online can save you both time and money—and it can help you become far more aware of the market and your available options.
