Ok, so maybe this doesn’t have to do entirely with the actually property listing websites themselves, but more so in relation to the content they have. I am currently looking at new accommodation and I’m growing increasingly frustrated. I’m not moving out for another few months, but I thought it’d be worthwhile checking out some property rental websites.
Browsing through the likes of Zoopla! and rightmove I noticed one major thing in common. Poor content. Whoever the information is submitted by (likely to be estate agents), they need to take a step back and look at what they are publishing. Some listings have little information about the property, some have lots (which is good) – but most listings fail in one area. Photos. We are superficial creatures, and as much as we’re told not to, we do judge a book by it’s cover. It seems that I’m overlooking the properties that do not have internal photos (some don’t even have an exterior view). Does this mean the publishers of this content are lazy? Or are they trying to hide something. Most people are working full time jobs and cannot spend their time looking at 20 or 30 flats that aren’t suitable for them; judgements which could have been made via simple photographs – Christ, there’s just no excuse for not being able to take some photos when every modern mobile phone has a camera on it. I want photos!
Maybe I’ll just start my own property website and do it right. Yes, that sounds slightly arrogant, but I’m frustrated.