The Philippine real estate market is vast, can potentially confuse those unfamiliar with it, and has a lot more going for it than most people would suspect. There are a lot of apartments and condos out there and not all of them will have signs advertising their availability. In some of the best places, the only way to find out there is a vacancy is to be told directly or to inquire. There is also the option of looking through apartment listings to see what is available. The internet is particularly good for this, since it has a few advantages that printed listings and brokers don’t always have.
Listing sites
Online apartment listings are basically websites that serve as online catalogs or databases that someone interested in renting an apartment can browse. They include information such as the apartment’s location, the price range of the rent, and in some cases, any amenities or facilities available in the complex or the vicinity. The better sites will include pictures of the interior, so that potential renters can get an idea about what exactly they’re getting. These sites can be very useful for someone who wants a Makati apartment but doesn’t have the time to look around and ask.
Primary advantages
The biggest advantage of online apartment listings is the ease by which they can be updated. It usually does not take very long for someone to make the few clicks required to add a new listing to the site, or to remove a listing that has been closed. This means that they are usually more updated than printed listings, and occasionally have newer properties listed before brokers hear of them. This speed can be very useful for those that want to be renting an apartment, but aren’t entirely sure how to start looking. It can also be useful in giving them an idea of the price range for apartments that suit their needs.
Flaws
The biggest flaw that online apartment listings have is that they can’t answer every question a person might have about the space. There are things that only a physical tour of the place can tell a potential tenant, and even the most detailed pictures will be unable to get that idea across. Also, it is rarely a smart move to sign a lease without ever having seen the location itself. Many such sites even advise that people consult a broker before entering any transaction.
Online apartment listings can be very useful for someone who is looking for a new Makati apartment but doesn’t have the time to drive around. There are limits to this, and the person might still need a broker to help with negotiations, but that doesn’t mean these sites aren’t useful tools.
