With PropTech growing in popularity in India, finding properties online has become quick and convenient. You can browse properties, compare prices, get in contact with the property owner and begin the renting process with just a few clicks. Platforms like NoBroker are making it easier for people in India to search for properties and connect with owners online. However, it’s important to ensure you’re confident in the platform you’re using.
As well as making finding properties quicker, understanding the inner workings of online real estate platforms can help give you confidence. Not all property listing platforms are the same and will provide varying levels of verification. As there can be a range of platforms offering listings, you want to be sure that the platform you’re using is credible. Being able to identify what to look out for can help you make an informed decision whilst keeping your personal information safe.
1. Check the Background of the Platform
You want to know what company is behind the real estate platform you’re using. This means looking for clear information about the company, its services, contact details and office address (if applicable). Having a good online presence, excellent customer service and clear policies can give you confidence that the platform is accountable.
Looking at real reviews can help you to fully understand the platform. However, don’t solely rely on this. Ensure you read both positive and negative reviews. Check for responses to complaints and if there are common issues such as false listings.
Check that the company has a good presence on the official website and social media accounts. Whilst you’re not guaranteed all interactions will be safe, these checks can help give you some confidence.
2. Understand How Properties Are Verified
Just because a property looks genuine, with photos, descriptions and an attractive rental price, doesn’t mean the property actually exists, or the person listing it has permission to rent/sell.
A reputable property searching platform should tell you how they verify properties. This can include verifying contact details, listing details or ownership documents. Before you proceed further, check the property details match up with what the owner/agent has told you. Be wary if they don’t want you to view the property, aren’t able to answer simple questions or only want you to pay up front.
Whilst property verification can give you more confidence, always do your own research. For high value properties, check ownership documents independently and seek professional legal advice.
3. Check Pricing
One of the easiest ways to get frustrated when searching for properties is unclear pricing. The listing may look great with a low rental/sale price, but you could be missing out on key costs such as maintenance, brokerage, deposits etc.
A reputable property listing should be clear about what details they have on the property. Check there are clear details such as where the property is located, size, amenities, rental/sale price, deposit and charges. If there are any key details missing, ask for clarification.
Looking at property price trends can help you to see if the property is reasonable for the area. Comparing similar properties in the area will give you a better idea of what the average rental/sale price is. Whilst it’s not always going to be a scam if the property is cheaper than others, if the person listing it is creating a sense of urgency and asking you to pay up front, you should be more cautious.
Having clear information can help you to make fair comparisons between properties.
4. Security of Your Personal Information
Sharing your personal information such as your phone number, email address, ID and financial details can be a valuable source of information. Once you’ve shared this, you may struggle to get control of it. Therefore, it’s important to think about your data privacy.
Before sharing any information, check the platform’s privacy policy. This should clearly state what information they’re collecting, why they’re collecting it, how they’ll be using it and if it’ll be shared with third parties. Ensure the website uses a secure HTTPS connection and the forms ask for relevant information.
If the platform is asking for unnecessary personal information at an early stage, be cautious. Never share OTP, passwords or banking details with property owners, agents or customer service. If they require ID for a legitimate process, make sure you understand why and how it will be used.
Responsible property technology should make your experience more convenient. However, they shouldn’t ask for unnecessary personal information.
5. Customer Support and Complaint Handling
Often a platform’s credibility can be identified if there is an issue. Whether the property isn’t available, you need to reschedule a viewing or need clarification on payments/agreements, knowing you can raise a concern with a reliable source can make a big difference.
Ensure the real estate platform has good customer service available via official channels. Check there are clear contact details, grievance procedures and advice on how to report suspicious listings. If you have any questions before registering or sharing documents, try contacting their customer service. Ensure they’re providing relevant information.
Be wary if they’re pressuring you to pay up front multiple times, moving all conversations to an untraceable source or refusing to provide basic details.
Good real estate technology should help you make informed decisions. A platform with clear communication and a process for raising issues can be easier to determine.
6. How Technology Helps You Evaluate a Platform
Many modern platforms use AI technology to help you search for properties. This can help to organise property information and help you find relevant listings. Using AI property search can help you filter relevant properties based on location, budget, amenities etc.
However, just because a platform uses technology doesn’t mean they’re credible. Having a complex search tool doesn’t mean all listings are accurate. Whilst technology can help to reduce risks, you should still do your own research on key information.
When determining if a platform is credible, ensure they have clear verification processes, helpful property details and clear ways of reporting incorrect information. The best real estate technology will provide a convenient and transparent experience.
With developments in PropTech in India, digital property services are becoming more accessible. However, you should still ensure that you can identify which features will help you make informed decisions.
7. Increased Transparency
After ensuring the basics are covered, ensure the platform helps you to feel more confident throughout the property process. From finding the right properties, contacting the owner and completing rental processes, there should be clear information.
Using the NoBroker property platform can help you to find properties and contact the owner. The services available can help you with various parts of the rental process. Depending on what service you’re using, you may also be able to look into assistance with rental agreements, tenant verification and other property needs.
Whilst NoBroker uses technology and digital services to make property processes more convenient, you should still check the terms of the service you’re using, understand how much verification they provide and ensure you’re confident with the property details before paying. Whilst NoBroker has AI and other technology features to help with the overall property experience, always ensure you’re confident with the safety measures in place.
Ultimately, the right platform will give you enough information to fully understand what you’re agreeing to and clear processes for support.
Conclusion
Searching for properties online can save you time, increase your options and make the overall process much easier. However, you should never compromise your privacy.
Ensure you check the background of the platform, understand how they verify their listings, carefully check for clear pricing, read the privacy policy and check for good customer service. Be especially wary of anyone asking for up front payments, unrealistic offers and sensitive information without a clear reason.
As property technology develops, the safety of searching for properties should be shared between the platform and yourself. A credible platform should provide clear information and processes whilst a cautious user should do their own research on key details.
By spending a few minutes checking the platform, you can prevent larger issues in the future.
