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

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 05:05 PM

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 · 08-13-2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

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.

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 05:41 PM

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

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 05:42 PM

Quote:

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.

Webby · 08-13-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

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.

Libertine · 08-13-2006, 05:58 PM

In The Netherlands, most people use the internet (specifically funda.nl).

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 06:00 PM

Quote:

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.

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 06:03 PM

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

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

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

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wedouglas

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

What's an MLS?

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

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.

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

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.

Nazgrel · 08-13-2006, 06:22 PM

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.

L-Pink · 08-13-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

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.

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:25 PM

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.

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote:

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?

wedouglas · 08-13-2006, 06:32 PM

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.

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:34 PM

Quote:

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.

Webby · 08-13-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

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

pigman · 08-14-2006, 01:46 AM

Europe is not a country, every country is unique.
Some countries use the net some doesnt even have internet ;D

Miss Vlasta · 08-14-2006, 02:44 AM

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

DamianJ · 08-14-2006, 03:18 AM

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

frank7799 · 08-14-2006, 03:32 AM

Quote:

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.

Gunni · 08-14-2006, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wedouglas

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

yes, but we call it football

slapass · 08-14-2006, 05:32 AM

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

webseth · 08-14-2006, 06:18 AM

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

roly · 08-14-2006, 06:22 AM

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

testpie · 08-14-2006, 06:35 AM

Quote:

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.

Paul · 08-14-2006, 07:18 PM

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

08-13-2006, 05:05 PM	#1
wedouglas So Fucking Banned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 5,921	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?

08-13-2006, 05:58 PM	#6
Libertine sex dwarf Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 17,860	In The Netherlands, most people use the internet (specifically funda.nl). __________________ /(bb\|[^b]{2})/

08-13-2006, 06:22 PM	#13
Nazgrel Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Norway Posts: 724	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]

08-13-2006, 06:25 PM	#15
Webby Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Far far away - as possible Posts: 14,956	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.

08-14-2006, 02:44 AM	#21
Miss Vlasta Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,005	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 __________________ PrivateCuties.com - Affiliates wanted... Amateur teen paysite, 50% revshare, CCBILL free hosted galleries, 10% webmaster referrals. Czech-Models.info - Content store... You can have these models on your site!

08-13-2006, 05:41 PM	#3
wedouglas So Fucking Banned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 5,921	Hmm, well then there is definately something to be done with this.

08-13-2006, 06:03 PM	#8
wedouglas So Fucking Banned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 5,921	Do European countries have an MLS # system like the US?

08-13-2006, 06:32 PM	#17
wedouglas So Fucking Banned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 5,921	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.

08-14-2006, 01:46 AM	#20
pigman Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 760	Europe is not a country, every country is unique. Some countries use the net some doesnt even have internet ;D

08-14-2006, 03:18 AM	#22
DamianJ Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: A magical land Posts: 15,808	in the UK I use www dot findaproperty dot co dot uk

08-14-2006, 05:32 AM	#25
slapass Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Earth Posts: 14,622	Classified ads in the local paper are a great resource for values and they are usually online.

08-14-2006, 06:18 AM	#26
webseth Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 362	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

08-14-2006, 06:22 AM	#27
roly Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,844	www.rightmove.co.uk is a good property site

08-14-2006, 07:18 PM	#29
Paul Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 2,637	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