Just likeoff plan property, purchasing property online can be risky, simply because you’re often buying it sight unseen. It’s always preferable to physically visit the property that you’re considering buying. But if you can’t see it because it’s overseas or in another state, here’s a few things to watch out for:

Tip one: Does it have a video tour?

Most properties on the market these days will have a video tour that allows you to view the whole house. This is generally preferable to properties which only have photos. Usually the photo galleries are not of the whole house just carefully selected photos that show the best features. Also photos can be doctored or taken with lenses that will make the property look bigger and better than it actually is. This is not to say that a video walk through will show you all the blemishes, but you’ll certainly get a much better feel for the property and the space. It also means you see the whole house not just the features the agent wants you to see.

Tip two: Has it been on the market before?

Do a google search of the property and see what its history is. You’ll be surprised how many properties advertised as fresh and new are actually lemons that have been floating around the market for ages. These days with the web it’s harder to hide a property’s history. So it’s worth seeing if your potential investment property has been through several agents unsuccessfully. This will put you in a much stronger position as a buyer.

Tip three: Don’t trust the pictures!

If you can’t physically inspect the property you should scrutinise all the digital photos that you can get your hands on. Watch out for the owner’s attempts to try and hide blemishes or problems such as dry rot and mould. You’ll often be able to tell this by the way furniture is placed. If a couch, for example, is put in a strange position against a wall it might be so it can hide a tell tale mark. If you have suspicions about what may be in a room ask the agent if they have any photos without the furniture. Remember that agents hire professionals to take photos using wider lenses and at the best time of day so the property will always seem more attractive than it is.

Tip Four: Use other software!

Don’t just rely on virtual tours alone to give you a feel for the property. Try and use other methods, such as Google Earth which will give you a satellite view of the property and its local neighbourhood.

Tip Five: Check the plans!

Ask for a copy of the floor plans (although usually these will be online too) and carefully work out the size of each room. Make sure that the plans correspond with the description and physical size of the property by checking with the agent. After all, you don’t want to pay good money for an apartment advertised as 102 square metres with a balcony, only to discover that the size is actually 92 square meters and the balcony is common property. If what’s listed online doesn’t match up with the plans then puts you in a strong position to negotiate.