Housebuilder Industry News & Information

More reasons to keep your website information up to date - January 2008

The launch this month of the new Globrix property search site re-emphasises the importance of web search for today's homebuyers.

The site uses a no-subscription search model, like Google's business model, gathering its data by spidering estate agents sites. The ease of use of its search facilities and highly refined search criteria together with map and satellite views of properties for sale make it easier than ever for purchasers to identify their next home. Full feature web and map search is increasingly available on the move through devices like the Apple i-phone and this will surely become the basis for most people's property search in the future.

As with most other major purchases these days most people will undertake a wide and thorough search on the web before committing to the purchase of a new home. As well as agents and new homebuilders' sites, this will probably include areas of particular interest such as local schools, transport, sporting and social activities. Thorough research will also reveal local demographics, crime statistics and a wealth of information about local services. Many buyers will also research recent 'sold prices' through a site such as houseprices.co.uk which also offers information in a convenient map based format.

Map or satellite derived views are increasingly popular as a means of locating property information. Tools such as Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth are now routinely incorporated in the search facilities of many housebuilder websites and property portals. The Internet is arguably now the prime resource for well over 50% of today's homebuyers across all age groups. For housebuilders this means that the ability to provide up to the minute information on the availability and pricing of their new homes is paramount. Many housebuilders are now realising that having undertaken such thorough research, prospects who enquire through the Internet are better qualified and more likely to progress to reservation and completion much more quickly than most other enquirers. It is a win-win situation. By importing web leads directly into the SiteStream Sales database 50% of the housebuilders data entry is undertaken by their prospects, who in turn get a faster and more relevant response, which is then most likely to capture their interest.

SiteStream's comprehensive lead management system flows through to sales progression, options and extras, part exchange and comprehensive management reporting. It also has an unrivalled ability to keep the entire dynamic content of your website up to date automatically and respond effectively to every lead, whatever its source.

To see the latest web resources available to home buyers see www.globrix.com and houseprices.co.uk