Online real estate is electronic real estate contracts! 4 ways to choose a good online real estate agent

Online real estate is electronic real estate contracts!

Online real estate refers to a real estate transaction service that is completed entirely online, in other words, electronic real estate contracts.

Real estate transactions in Japan are conducted based on the Real Estate Transaction Business Act.

Previously, the Real Estate Transaction Business Act required face-to-face explanations, important matters explanation documents, and contract conclusion documents to be stamped and provided in writing.

However, with the revised Real Estate Transaction Business Act coming into effect in May 2022, these analog processes were reviewed and it became possible to complete real estate contract procedures online.

This change is being described by the public as the lifting of the ban on online real estate.

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages for end users with the lifting of the ban on online real estate?

Next, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of online real estate.

The advantages and disadvantages of online real estate

Below are four advantages and disadvantages of online real estate.

merit	Disadvantages
	・You can check out properties all over the country. ・You don't have to dress up. ・You can save money and time. ・It's easy to use without any complicated settings.		・You can't tell the noise level or smell of the room. ・It's hard to imagine the atmosphere of the room or the surrounding area. ・The property you're looking for may already be under contract. ・If the communication environment is not good, the video and audio will be interrupted.

First, let me explain the benefits.

Four advantages of online real estate

There are four advantages to online real estate.

• You can check out properties across the country from the comfort of your own home.
• You don't need to be groomed
• Saves you time and money
• Easy to use without any complicated settings

Check out properties across the country

You can view properties across the country from the comfort of your own home. There are also plenty of floor plans and interior photos of the rooms, making it convenient for comparing multiple properties.

You can also view properties that interest you online.

During an online viewing, a real estate agent will be on-site to show you around using a camera, allowing you to check out every corner of the room.

If you are not comfortable speaking face-to-face, you can turn off your camera and talk to the person. You can easily ask questions that are difficult to ask, which can help ease your worries and concerns.

You don't need to be groomed

Since online real estate can be completed without going out, there is no need to dress up nicely. You can search without worrying about makeup, hairstyle, or clothing.

If you go to a local real estate agency, you need to dress appropriately. However, with online real estate, this is not necessary, which makes things much easier.

Also, when consulting online, communication is done only via voice, so it doesn't matter what you're wearing.

Online real estate is a convenient tool that allows you to search for properties while avoiding contact with other people.

Saves you time and money

Online real estate allows you to search for properties at any time and place you like, saving you time and money.

Traditionally, when you decided to move far away for a job transfer, further education, etc., it was common to visit a local real estate agency.

However, with online real estate, you can search for properties from your home or workplace, so you don't have to pay for transportation to the site and you can also save on travel time.

Also, since you don't have to take time off during the week or use your holidays, it's also recommended for people who don't have time to go to a real estate agency.

Easy to use without any complicated settings

Anyone can easily use online real estate with just a smartphone or computer. There is no need to download any special software or apps.

You can also view the property online by simply accessing the URL sent to you by the real estate company.

Since end users do not need to make any complicated settings or preparations, it is easy to use.

However, this will incur communication costs. Video calling can be expensive, so it's best to use it in a location with a good Wi-Fi connection.

The biggest advantage of online real estate is that you can search for and view properties over a wide area from the comfort of your own home.

However, where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. Next, we will explain the disadvantages of online real estate.

Four disadvantages of online real estate

There are four disadvantages to online real estate.

• Noise and smell in the room
• It is difficult to visualize the atmosphere of the room or surroundings.
• The property you are looking for may already be under contract.
• If the communication environment is not good, the video and audio will be interrupted.

Noise and smell in the room

The internet doesn't capture the smells or sounds of your surroundings.

There is information that is difficult to find out just by browsing the internet, such as the humidity and smell in the room, unpleasant odors and noise coming from outside, and sounds from the next room.

These issues can be resolved by visiting the property in person and checking for yourself, or by having a real estate agent check for you during an online viewing.

However, since sensitivity to smells and sounds varies from person to person, if you are sensitive to them it is best to go and check it out for yourself.

It is difficult to visualize the atmosphere of the room or surroundings.

Although you can get a general idea of ​​the property from photos posted on online real estate sites, it is often the case that when you actually visit the property it is different to what you imagined.

You won't know whether the color, feel, size, etc. of a room matches your preferences until you actually step inside.

Another disadvantage is that you cannot get a sense of the atmosphere of the surrounding environment, such as the volume of traffic or people walking around.

If you want to know more about the atmosphere of the room and the surrounding area, be sure to visit the property during the viewing.

The property you are looking for may already be under contract.

With online real estate, it is common to inquire about a property listed at a physical store only to find that it has already been contracted.

This is because there is a time lag between updating information in physical stores and online.

After a property contract is made, the results are not immediately reflected online, and there may be properties that remain listed because they were not deleted.

Therefore, keep in mind that even if you find the property you are looking for, there may be cases where you are not introduced to it.

If the communication environment is not good, the video and audio will be interrupted.

In online real estate, if the communication environment is not good, the audio will cut out and the video will be distorted.

Video footage is especially important during online viewings. If the internet connection is not up to snuff, the viewing may end without you being able to see what the interior looks like.

Also, depending on the property, it may be difficult for radio waves to reach the building, which may result in distorted audio and video throughout the entire stay.

In such cases, you can ensure a smooth viewing by having the person in charge explain things to you verbally or by considering a communication method and rescheduling the date.

There was an unexpected pitfall with online real estate. If you don't use online real estate, you have to go directly to a local real estate company.

Next, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a local real estate agency.

The pros and cons of local real estate agents

There are three advantages and disadvantages to using a local real estate agency:

merit	Disadvantages
	・You can see all currently available properties. ・You can check the surrounding environment. ・You can save the trouble of searching by yourself.		・It takes time because they can't visit many properties at once. ・They only have information about the area. ・They may not introduce you to the property you want.

First, let me explain the benefits.

Three advantages of using local real estate agents

There are three advantages to using a local real estate agent.

• See all currently available properties
• You can check the surrounding environment
• Saves you the trouble of searching on your own

See all currently available properties

Local real estate companies can introduce you to properties that are not listed on online real estate sites, as well as properties that are so new that they are not yet available online.

In addition, if a property is scheduled to be vacated, we can immediately inform customers who come to the store, so the chances of finding a property with favorable conditions are higher than on the Internet.

Online real estate agents have set update dates for their information, so another advantage is that local real estate companies update their information more quickly and you can get real-time information on available properties.

You can check the surrounding environment

Local real estate companies often have detailed knowledge of the local neighborhood and each apartment or detached house.

for example,

• Where is the supermarket?
• What kind of people live in the area?
• Are there any building reconstructions nearby?
• What about the view and sunlight?

We can provide you with information that you would not find unless you go to a local real estate company.

One of the benefits of using a local real estate agent is that you can actually visit the property and get a feel for the atmosphere.

Saves you the trouble of searching on your own

If you find a property you like online and then visit a physical store, but it isn't what you expected, you can quickly be shown another property.

Also, if you find a property that interests you, you can go straight to view it, saving you the trouble of having to go back again.

Since properties available online are all pretty much the same from each company, it takes a lot of time and effort to find a property that suits your needs.

Therefore, if you are particularly interested in a property, we recommend that you visit local real estate agencies.

The biggest advantage of working with a local real estate agency is that you can see things with your own eyes and hear things directly. You can also get the latest information and enjoy the benefits.

Now, let me explain the disadvantages.

Three disadvantages of local real estate agents

There are three disadvantages to using local real estate agents:

• It takes time because you can't visit many properties at once.
• I only have information about that area
• It is not guaranteed that you will be introduced to the property you want.

It takes time because we can't visit many properties in one day.

Local real estate agents can only visit a few properties per day, so it takes a lot of time.

With online real estate, it's easy to check 10 or 20 properties, all it takes is a click.

However, checking out that many properties with a local real estate agency would take a lot of time and be physically exhausting.

Also, if you go to a local real estate agency without being clear about your desired conditions, you will be shown one property after another and asked, "What about this property?", and time will just pass by.

If you decide on even the minimum requirements, you will be able to save time even when visiting a local real estate agency.

I only have information about that area

Local real estate companies, for better or worse, are community-based. While they have a strong knowledge of the local area, they often don't have much information outside of the area.

However, that doesn't mean we can't handle properties outside of the area at all.

It is possible to search for real estate outside your area on a website called "REINS," which can only be accessed by real estate companies, but the amount of information is limited.

Also, if the local real estate agency is a large one that operates a nationwide chain, they will have a network and can show you properties even if you are outside the area.

However, they have less information about the characteristics and features of the area than locally based real estate companies.

It is not guaranteed that you will be introduced to the property you want.

When using local real estate agencies, the properties introduced will vary depending on the experience and way of thinking of the person in charge.

In particular, if you end up with a real estate agent with little experience in the real estate industry, it is not uncommon for it to take a long time to select a property, or for you to be shown only properties that the agent is familiar with.

As a result, you may end up being introduced to properties that don't meet your requirements.

To avoid this situation,

• Check as many reviews as possible and find out the names of the highly rated staff.
• Make inquiries by phone and check whether the real estate agent will give you accurate answers.

It is a good idea to check these things in advance.

Now that we know the advantages and disadvantages of online real estate and local real estate companies, let's take a closer look at online real estate.

First, let's look at the process from finding a property on an online real estate site to signing a contract.

Five steps to signing a contract with online real estate

There are five steps from searching for a property on the Internet to signing a contract.

1. Searching for properties online
2. Web customer service
3. Online viewing
4. Application and screening
5. IT important explanation/contract

1. Search for properties online

First, search for the property you want on a major property site or website.

Please set the area, floor plan, rent, etc. and search.

2. Online customer service

When you find a property that interests you, contact the real estate company.

Email is fine, but I recommend online customer service, which allows for direct conversation.

Please feel free to ask for detailed information that is not available on the Internet or to discuss any concerns you may have.

3. Online viewing

Once you have decided on a property that interests you, you can view it. A local representative will guide you through the property via video call.

You can view every corner of the room and even make requests such as "I'd like to get a closer look at the bathroom."

Ask any questions you may have and use this opportunity to resolve any concerns you may have.

4. Application and screening

Once you have decided on a property, it is time to apply. With Net Real Estate, you can apply online, so you can apply immediately after viewing the property.

After you apply, your application will be reviewed. The review process usually takes 3-7 days, so if it takes longer than 7 days, please contact the real estate company.

Although your application may not be approved, it may also be delayed due to incomplete documents or a busy period during which applications are received in large numbers.

5. IT important explanation and contract

If you pass the screening, the final step is to sign a contract. When signing a contract, it is essential to receive an explanation of important matters (important explanation).

At Net Real Estate, you can receive "IT explanations" using IT devices such as smartphones and computers.

Explanations and Q&A can be conducted in the same way as in face-to-face meetings. If there are no questions, the contract is signed and mailed to complete the contract.

As mentioned above, with online real estate, everything can be completed online, making it a very convenient tool for people who live far away or do not want to go out.

Finding a property is an important element of human life, similar to shelter, one of the basic necessities of life: food, clothing, and shelter.

Especially with online real estate, the contract is completed without ever meeting in person, so be sure to choose a real estate company that you can trust and rely on.

So, next we will introduce how to choose a good online real estate agent.

4 ways to choose a good online real estate agency

Just because a company is famous or major does not necessarily mean it is a good online real estate company.

Because you are not meeting face-to-face, be sure to choose a real estate company that you can trust with confidence. Pay particular attention to the following four points when searching for an online real estate agent that is right for you.

• Good online reviews
• LINE and chat are well-equipped
• Knows a lot about the area
• We will also explain the disadvantages of the property.

Good online reviews

Check out the reviews and ratings of stores on social media and Google Maps. In today's internet society, a store's reputation spreads quickly through the internet.

Also, if there is a response from the store to your review, be sure to check the content carefully as it will also be used as a basis for your decision.

However, not all reviews are necessarily true. If you check multiple sites and still find a lot of negative reviews, it's best to avoid the place.

LINE and chat are well-equipped

Choose an online real estate agency that offers LINE and chat support.

Even if you finish work late at night, you can be shown properties in an environment similar to a physical store, and you can expect a faster response than other companies.

We also recommend real estate companies that have long business hours or no fixed holidays.

This makes it easier for people who cannot take time off during the week or who do not have time during the day to search for properties.

Knows a lot about the area

Also, make sure you check whether they are familiar with the area surrounding the property you are interested in.

When you're in a new place for the first time, there are so many things you don't know.

You can check to some extent on Google Maps, but it does not include information specific to the area, such as supermarkets, hospitals, or shortcuts to the station.

If you hire a real estate agency that is knowledgeable about the specifics of that area, you may be able to obtain some unexpected useful information.

We will also explain the disadvantages of the property.

Choose a real estate agency that will tell you both the pros and cons of the property.

• If you open the window, the traffic noise is loud.
• There are plans for the construction of a new building, which will reduce sunlight.

If you do not inform them of the disadvantages listed above, it may lead to problems after they move in.

Every property has one or two disadvantages. If you are only told about the advantages, try asking about the disadvantages yourself.

[Finally] The internet is now mainstream in real estate too

We live in the age of the Internet. The real estate industry is also trying to keep up with the trend, with online real estate becoming mainstream.

The popularity of online real estate has made it easy to access information about vacant properties across the country from the comfort of your own home.

• Living far away
• I'm not good at face-to-face
• I can’t make time during the day
• I want to save on transportation costs

This has become a very useful tool for people who find it difficult to visit a local real estate agency.

If you are unsure about using the internet alone, you can also visit a physical store and ask for advice.

If you are thinking of moving due to a job transfer or moving to a new school, try gathering information on online real estate first. This will help you get an idea of ​​the house you want to live in, making it easier to search for properties.