There is a lot of talk about the web and how nearly everyone is beginning to use it for finding their next property, but as with so many other topics, there is some truth, some hype and a lot of just bad information. Let's take a few minutes to sort it all out just a wee bit.

Yes, over 75% of Kiwi's looking for a property, begin their search online. That part is quite correct, but that is nothing like the end of the story! Unlike many other countries New Zealand has no Multiple Listing Service or MLS. An MLS is simply where all agents, from all firms place their listings so any agent can sell any listing. The MLS makes sure that the system remains fair and everyone plays by the same rules.

The closest thing we have, to an MLS is currently realestate.co.nz, but it is no MLS, because there are no guidelines for agents from different firms interacting on a fair playing field. Also, only properties listed with firms, never permitting properties For Sale By Owner to appear. The outcome is that a prospective buyer will have to visit many different websites and even then not know if the "right" property is still somewhere else.

This is about to change with the PropertyScout system, which is the powerhouse behind the Encore website. This system offers every agent and private seller a system to advertise and transact the business in an entirely transparent medium. As time goes by you will find more and more PropertyScout co-operating real estate firms engaging in this collaborative setting.

In the mean time, when placing a property on sale, we recommend making sure that your property is getting maximum web exposure and that doesn't mean one or two websites; it means using dozens of website initiatives and in multiple languages, because you can't possible know who or from where your purchaser is coming.

Obviously, Encore believes that its technological systems and massive internet penetration place it in a category of its own and we have nearly two decades of experience to back up the claim. Encore puts the pieces of the web puzzle together, letting you focus on your next real estate transaction.