Finding a new home for rent or sale is not an easy task ... and even more when you are new to the city. The Internet has greatly expanded the opportunities, but also contains its own pitfalls: to avoid wasting time and easily identify scams, read the below tips:
Use social networks to solicit your contacts and maximize the chances of finding a new roof. Use Facebook, LinkedIn and Viadeo.
Visit the tourist offices or community websites to get information about the different part of the towns and the types of neighborhood (Student area, tourists, business,...)
The Internet gives you the possibility to virtually visit a neighborhood.
Google Maps offers the satellite view and virtual tour features. Recommended to locate a nearby street, neighboring stores ....
Google Earth enhance the experience, by providing a three-dimensional virtual tour of some cities and neighborhoods.
Many classifieds sites specialize in advertisements made by individuals. By viewing an ad, make sure it was posted by an individual, those made by the real estate agencies often include additional costs.
Some classifieds websites to find an accomodation in France:
Many agencies also offer their services on the internet. Most of their ads are available online . Some sites also provide dedicated mobile applications. The ads can be directly viewed from a smartphone.
A popular social trend which involves moving from one aquaintance home to another for a few days and as the name already suggest, most of the time you'll be sleeping on a couch or any free space your host can spare. Discover couchsurfingrg a social network promoting the culture of hospitality exchange.
Photo : © Vycheslav L - Fotoliaom