As the information age continues to influence the way we live, the way we search for our ideal property has changed significantly.

The changes mean buyers and sellers alike have easier access to new information from new sources when purchasing property.

The internet has significantly affected the way we search for and buy property, with popular websites such as www.realestate.com.au taking hold in the Australian real estate market. This has further fuelled a change in the way that property is marketed.

Traditionally, a real estate agent’s window was where you would go to find what’s available in the market. An agent would then take you out and show you one or two homes that were available, and then you would make a choice.

Today it is another story. Buyers will search internet sites on a daily basis, looking at the latest properties on offer in the market place.

They will then drive past their favourites to get an idea of the area before contacting the agent.

With the changing nature of information technology, SMS text messages and weekly email updates have further grown.

Many buyers will receive invitations from agents to view properties prior to them being listed on real estate websites and before signs and newspaper advertisements even appear. We offer a weekly email newsletter to keep you up to date.

New information internet sites are starting to appear, with the latest being www.streetadvisor.com. You simply type in the street address you’re interested in and see what the locals have to say about it. This content is generated by people in the area. The concept is that as a resident you will log on and write your story of what it’s like to live there … the benefits and the downfalls.

This is yet to take off in all areas so there is a simpler way. We suggest going to the property that you are considering purchasing at three different times in the day – in the morning, as everyone is getting up and getting ready for work; around school finishing time to see how the local traffic flows; and in the early evening to see the people and traffic flow coming home.

This can give you a great indication of the type of people living in the area, and any neighborhood trends.

What’s the best way to stay on top of it all?

• Register your information with an agent.

• Check in with them on a regular basis for the latest listings.

• Sign up for your real estate alerts at sites such as www.realestate.com.au

• Keep your eyes peeled when driving around for “For Sale” boards.

• Keep a list of homes inspected and homes that you want to inspect to make sure that you don’t miss out

The most important thing is to use every available source, whether it be in the electronic form or the human form. That way, you’re sure to find the property that’s right for you!