Real estate question for people in Europe. Not a financial thread.

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  • wedouglas
    So Fucking Banned
    • Aug 2004
    • 5921

    #1

    Real estate question for people in Europe. Not a financial thread.

    Do most people in Europe look for places online, or do most people go to agents and let them find places?

    I always look online. There is a very good selection available online in the US and they usually provide a decent amount of information and pictures, but I find this isn't true for Europe. There doesn't seem to be any real authority sites. Atleast those that are found via English searching. Most are designed terribly and lack information.

    So, am I right in the assumption that most people use real estate agents as opposed to online browsing?
  • Webby
    Too lazy to set a custom title
    • Oct 2002
    • 14956

    #2
    Originally posted by wedouglas
    Do most people in Europe look for places online, or do most people go to agents and let them find places?

    I always look online. There is a very good selection available online in the US and they usually provide a decent amount of information and pictures, but I find this isn't true for Europe. There doesn't seem to be any real authority sites. Atleast those that are found via English searching. Most are designed terribly and lack information.

    So, am I right in the assumption that most people use real estate agents as opposed to online browsing?
    Correct.. prospective buyers know the location they want and visit all the local estate agent offices.

    The net is a tool in their marketing, but most properties are listed in the local press etc.
    Last edited by Webby; 08-13-2006, 04:19 PM.
    XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

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    • wedouglas
      So Fucking Banned
      • Aug 2004
      • 5921

      #3
      Hmm, well then there is definately something to be done with this.

      Comment

      • wedouglas
        So Fucking Banned
        • Aug 2004
        • 5921

        #4
        Originally posted by Webby
        Correct.. prospective buyers know the location they want and visit all the local estate agent offices.

        The net is a tool in their marketing, but most properties are listed in the local press etc.
        Where are you located Webby? You seem knowledgable on Europes housing market.

        Comment

        • Webby
          Too lazy to set a custom title
          • Oct 2002
          • 14956

          #5
          Originally posted by wedouglas
          Where are you located Webby? You seem knowledgable on Europes housing market.
          I'm in Costa Rica right now, but from the EU.

          On thing to check out ... use the term "estate agent" for eg the UK - common term equivalent to "realtor" in the US. Google that and see what comes up.
          XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

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          • Libertine
            sex dwarf
            • May 2002
            • 17860

            #6
            In The Netherlands, most people use the internet (specifically funda.nl).
            /(bb|[^b]{2})/

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            • wedouglas
              So Fucking Banned
              • Aug 2004
              • 5921

              #7
              Originally posted by Webby
              I'm in Costa Rica right now, but from the EU.

              On thing to check out ... use the term "estate agent" for eg the UK - common term equivalent to "realtor" in the US. Google that and see what comes up.
              Well, I'm just wondering about the market for people looking to purchase properties in Europe who live in English speaking countries. I'm not sure how big the market is, but it definately seems to lack any great portal for finding places.

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              • wedouglas
                So Fucking Banned
                • Aug 2004
                • 5921

                #8
                Do European countries have an MLS # system like the US?

                Comment

                • Webby
                  Too lazy to set a custom title
                  • Oct 2002
                  • 14956

                  #9
                  Originally posted by wedouglas
                  Well, I'm just wondering about the market for people looking to purchase properties in Europe who live in English speaking countries. I'm not sure how big the market is, but it definately seems to lack any great portal for finding places.
                  I'd think that is a substantial market, tho with each Euro country there are local customs and slight variances, but there is prob something valid in having a portal where a range of property agents from differing Euro countries could feature their homes/properties.

                  It may be also be worth probing some webmasters from places like Holland, Germany etc when they come online in the "Euro morning" to get some feedback.

                  PS.. "Niched" realtoring is a good biz
                  XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

                  Comment

                  • Webby
                    Too lazy to set a custom title
                    • Oct 2002
                    • 14956

                    #10
                    Originally posted by wedouglas
                    Do European countries have an MLS # system like the US?
                    What's an MLS?
                    XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

                    Comment

                    • wedouglas
                      So Fucking Banned
                      • Aug 2004
                      • 5921

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Webby
                      What's an MLS?
                      Essentially, a # that the property is assigned. you can look up properties quickly by that number. In the US, I believe realtors have access to a huge database thay lists all properties for sale. I could be a little off on it, but my friend has access to it and browses it all the time. You can find everything.

                      Comment

                      • Webby
                        Too lazy to set a custom title
                        • Oct 2002
                        • 14956

                        #12
                        Originally posted by wedouglas
                        Essentially, a # that the property is assigned. you can look up properties quickly by that number. In the US, I believe realtors have access to a huge database thay lists all properties for sale. I could be a little off on it, but my friend has access to it and browses it all the time. You can find everything.
                        Yes.. basically central property registries. But as far as I know these are usually operated by governments (and some elements such as rating records are operated by local councils) - and last I used one, it cost money to get a detailed property summary and took time. It does not sound as though that would help with online stuff.

                        On that subject, the privacy laws can be fairly strong and it's unusal to allow information to be released - unless it's fairly "non personal".

                        From that angle.. I doubt what exists would be of much value towards a portal.
                        XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

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                        • Nazgrel
                          Confirmed User
                          • Jun 2005
                          • 724

                          #13
                          Here in norway most ppl look online (especialy using finn.no).

                          I think the same is true in many other European countries, however the reason you cant find many good sites is that they are in the local language. As a Norwegian I have no intrest in using english when looking for real estate. I would guess the same is true for the germans, frenc, spanish etc.
                          [email protected]

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                          • L-Pink
                            working on my tan
                            • Mar 2005
                            • 39151

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Webby
                            What's an MLS?

                            Multiple Listing Service is a compilation of all properties listed in a given area regardless of the listing agent or agency.

                            --------------------------------

                            As far as searching for houses online abuse of keywords has rendered most searches worthless. Last year I wanted to find a house with a swimming pool.
                            Sounds simple, sounds like I would narrow my choices quickly. Wrong, Every home with a community POOL, near a community POOL. access to a community POOL, zoned for a POOL, every agent that would help me find a house with a POOL, etc ... also came up

                            Fuck-it ... I limited my search to newspaper ads only.

                            Comment

                            • Webby
                              Too lazy to set a custom title
                              • Oct 2002
                              • 14956

                              #15
                              What may be easier is deal with estate agents and either have them pay a fee for listings - or, (slightly less safe), let them give you a % cut of their fees for all sales, or, based on a fee per referral.

                              We are doing a kinda similar thing here, but not net-based, but with realtor partners in Costa Rica and organizing property exhibitions in the UK, Italy, Germany and not sure yet, but maybe other places for the sale of properties in Costa Rica.
                              XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

                              Comment

                              • Webby
                                Too lazy to set a custom title
                                • Oct 2002
                                • 14956

                                #16
                                Originally posted by Nazgrel
                                Here in norway most ppl look online (especialy using finn.no).

                                I think the same is true in many other European countries, however the reason you cant find many good sites is that they are in the local language. As a Norwegian I have no intrest in using english when looking for real estate. I would guess the same is true for the germans, frenc, spanish etc.
                                Yes.. suspected that Nazgrel. What's your thoughts on an English language (or even multiligual website/portal) for covering prospective purchasers in the US, Canada, UK and well - any English-speaking country?
                                XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

                                Comment

                                • wedouglas
                                  So Fucking Banned
                                  • Aug 2004
                                  • 5921

                                  #17
                                  Anyway, as not to throw all my ideas out there, I'll probably stop posting here and just read it. I appreciate your input, Webby, as well as anyone else who has posted or will post.

                                  Comment

                                  • Webby
                                    Too lazy to set a custom title
                                    • Oct 2002
                                    • 14956

                                    #18
                                    Originally posted by L-Pink
                                    Multiple Listing Service is a compilation of all properties listed in a given area regardless of the listing agent or agency.

                                    --------------------------------

                                    As far as searching for houses online abuse of keywords has rendered most searches worthless. Last year I wanted to find a house with a swimming pool.
                                    Sounds simple, sounds like I would narrow my choices quickly. Wrong, Every home with a community POOL, near a community POOL. access to a community POOL, zoned for a POOL, every agent that would help me find a house with a POOL, etc ... also came up

                                    Fuck-it ... I limited my search to newspaper ads only.
                                    Truth is L-Pink - it's often the case that there are "net prices" for real estate and "real prices" locally. It's prob better to deal local.
                                    XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

                                    Comment

                                    • Webby
                                      Too lazy to set a custom title
                                      • Oct 2002
                                      • 14956

                                      #19
                                      Originally posted by wedouglas
                                      Anyway, as not to throw all my ideas out there, I'll probably stop posting here and just read it. I appreciate your input, Webby, as well as anyone else who has posted or will post.
                                      No problemo man
                                      XXX TLD's - Another mosquito to swat.

                                      Comment

                                      • pigman
                                        Confirmed User
                                        • Aug 2006
                                        • 760

                                        #20
                                        Europe is not a country, every country is unique.
                                        Some countries use the net some doesnt even have internet ;D
                                        Suffering arises from attachment to desires.
                                        Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases.

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                                        • Miss Vlasta
                                          Confirmed User
                                          • Mar 2005
                                          • 1005

                                          #21
                                          I always look online, but then get an appointment and check out the place with an agent. Pictures are one thing and reality the other


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                                          • DamianJ
                                            Too lazy to set a custom title
                                            • Jul 2006
                                            • 15808

                                            #22
                                            in the UK I use www dot findaproperty dot co dot uk

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                                            • frank7799
                                              Confirmed User
                                              • Jul 2003
                                              • 1974

                                              #23
                                              Originally posted by wedouglas
                                              Do most people in Europe look for places online, or do most people go to agents and let them find places?

                                              I always look online. There is a very good selection available online in the US and they usually provide a decent amount of information and pictures, but I find this isn't true for Europe. There doesn't seem to be any real authority sites. Atleast those that are found via English searching. Most are designed terribly and lack information.

                                              So, am I right in the assumption that most people use real estate agents as opposed to online browsing?
                                              I just bought a new house and I´m selling my old one. There are some online resources for real estate offers in Europe. For example:

                                              http://www.huislijn.nl/ (The Netherlands)
                                              http://www.immobilienscout24.de/ (Germany)

                                              These are examples only, there are some more sites online.

                                              Comment

                                              • Gunni
                                                Confirmed User
                                                • Apr 2003
                                                • 2385

                                                #24
                                                Originally posted by wedouglas
                                                Do European countries have an MLS # system like the US?
                                                yes, but we call it football

                                                Comment

                                                • slapass
                                                  Too lazy to set a custom title
                                                  • Nov 2002
                                                  • 14625

                                                  #25
                                                  Classified ads in the local paper are a great resource for values and they are usually online.

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                                                  • webseth
                                                    Confirmed User
                                                    • Jul 2003
                                                    • 362

                                                    #26
                                                    you should just make an all purpose expatriation service for americans that want out of america, do all the leg work finding them the right country for them and helping them with property and visas/residence permits

                                                    - Seth
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                                                    • roly
                                                      Confirmed User
                                                      • Aug 2002
                                                      • 1844

                                                      #27
                                                      www.rightmove.co.uk is a good property site

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                                                      • testpie
                                                        Mostly retired
                                                        • Apr 2006
                                                        • 3231

                                                        #28
                                                        Originally posted by Nazgrel
                                                        Here in norway most ppl look online (especialy using finn.no).

                                                        I think the same is true in many other European countries....
                                                        Have to disagree with you there. Here in the UK, most people use local estate agents, perhaps (as others have said) using online websites as a lead to the properties available in an area, but usually they go the local estate agent first - even if it's just for a quick browse in the window of the properties available.

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                                                        • Paul
                                                          Confirmed User
                                                          • Nov 2002
                                                          • 2637

                                                          #29
                                                          In the Uk, the market is pretty competitve

                                                          http://www.findaproperty.com
                                                          http://www.propertyfinder.com
                                                          http://www.home.co.uk
                                                          http://www.primelocation.com

                                                          This is just a few exampes off the first page of the results on google

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