Even in 2006, at the height of the real estate boom, your search would have typically started either with the classifieds sections in newspaper's or at a broker's office. But the information was not adequate for taking an informed decision. Cut to 2013. Go online to get the choicest of properties that scream to get your attention.

Do your homework diligently

As internet connectivity increased, the mid-2000s saw a host of real estate portals mushrooming across the spectrum. But all that was available were the locations, price or rent and the contact details of the developer or individual who wanted to sell or rent out their properties. The next wave of growth came when the traffic of online homebuyers increased as demand rose with niche sites trying to carve out a space for themselves with search filters that would provide customer-specific information. Says Aditya Verma, CEO, Makaan: "The online space is very dynamic. So, one needs to change. And, most of the changes that we have done is based on customer feedback." To make the experience more enriching, not only photographs of the properties on sale were featured, but portals also made sure that the information provided by the seller were verified. Says Ganesh Vasudevan, CEO, IndiaProperty, "Nearly 75 per cent of the listings on our site are validated by us. We'll be reaching the 100 per cent mark shortly." Makaan has a dedicated team to validate and update information on projects listed on their website.

IndiaHomes has taken their customer-friendly approach to a different level. Says Bhaskar Bagchi, chief operating officer, IndiaHomes: "We have a vastu score for every project." The initiative along with the walk score - which tells you approximately how far you will need to walk to the nearest grocery store, among others - have been well received by online homebuyers.

Housing too, is building a reputation for itself. The company's dedicated team of professions responsible for collecting data takes pride in geo-coding, collecting pictures and providing a clear picture about neighbourhood of the housing units listed on their website. Once you have zeroed in on your pick, you can also check the options to commute to the place.

IndiaPropertys AssistedPro-perty service, on the other hand, gives information that is usually available only at project sites or builder offices. Says Vasudevan: "Here we provide additional information not available in the public domain. This helps the homebuyer save atleast 4-6 weekends of effort in searching for a property."

Real estate portals have also started empowering people by giving them research materials and tools that homebuyers could use. Says Verma: "These tools are a result of the feedback we got from visitors." In 2008, Makaan launched the Makaan IQ - a tool that can not only give you an idea of prices across locations, but price trends in those locations as well. The following year, Makaan Property Index was launched and, finally, in 2010, the site came up with its Buy vs Rent Index.

Walking the last mile or handholding a visitor till the last leg is something very few websites do. But, with IndiaHomes, all you have to do is leave your contact number on the website if you are planning to buy a property. "Within five minutes an IndiaHomes executive will get in touch with you," says Bagchi. Then, you can fix an appointment with the executive and he will walk you through the location of your choice on his tablet giving detailed description of the properties. Once you zero in on a property, the executive will also provide you all the necessary documents and guide you through the entire homebuying process.

A few realty portals also provide you with a platform where you can relate your experiences and give your feedback. This was a response from 99acres and Makaan to the rising instances of project delays during 2008-09.

While realty portals have, to an extent, changed the manner in which we buy property or look for properties for rent, what more can we expect from them? Says Vineet K. Singh, business head, 99acres: "While we have reached a stage where we empower a visitor with information and research tools, the next big thing probably could be when one can buy properties online. However, we have a long way to go and there are regulatory issues as well." Portals are also planning to provide legal services.

Says Bagchi: "Once the proposed real estate Bill becomes a law, it will drastically change the way things are and more information will be available to customers." The proposed Bill says that developers will have to take all necessary clearances before they can launch a project and, more importantly, disclose all information regarding a project. Adds Advitya Sharma, co-founder and marketing head, Housing: "The focus will be more on providing accurate information and truly educating the customer so that he can take an informed decision."

Sunder P, CEO, HomeShikari.com, however, has a different view. "The Web portals have so far been merely a mechanism to generate leads for brokers. And that is going to change." Verma of Makaan feels that apart from innovation, the way forward for realty portals will be to integrate with social media, especially so considering the fact that people spend a lot of time online on different social media platforms.

Realty portals have brought about a sea change in the way you would search for a property and the future certainly seems to be bright. And, the realty Bill can only give you, the homebuyer, the added advantage to help complete a home run.