Built at a click
You can buy a house, or even build one, with just a few clicks. Developers and e-portals have been leveraging technology to simplify transactions over the past few years, introducing 360degree tours, online booking and live chat services. Now, realty companies such as Make My House, Arrivae, SILA and Indiabulls Housing Finance are offering apps and websites that help buyers process home loans, design interiors, manage maintenance and even re-sell property. “In a recovering market, such 360-degree services are helping raise buyer interest with the promise of convenience, ease and transparency,” says Pankaj Kapoor, CEO of real-estate consultancy Liases Foras.
This is particularly useful, say buyers, when you live in one city and are investing in another.
Mumbai businessman Mustafa Nadeem, 33, for instance, turned to Make My House when he decided to build his dream home in Indore. The website lets you pick your plot, architect, building material and interiors online. “Construction also begins on the date you finalise,” says Mustafa Johar, co-founder and head of operations.
In January, Nadeem took possession of his customised, 1,800sq-ft bungalow.
“They helped me get all the land approvals, gave in to my demand that every room in my 4BHK house should overlook a landscaped garden, and delivered the completed house in eight months,” he says.
“Best of all, I only visited the site three times, to sign the sale deed and check on progress. Everything else was done through the website.”
Arrivae, meanwhile, lets you conceptualise your interiors, pick furniture and select paint shades online. “Once you select a design, we complete your interiors within 45 days,” says founder Yash Kela. That worked well for Thane chef Neeta Desai, 35. “I wanted a mix of many themes in my 2BHK,” she says. “They helped me get it all done, including a bonsai in the bathroom and a rustic living room. I only checked-in twice.”
Financial assistance and estate management are getting easier too, as a result of the 360degree online services. About a year ago, Indiabulls Housing Finance began offering ‘eHomeloans’. “You can apply through our mobile app, scan and upload all your documents. We evaluate them online and disburse the sum into your bank account,” says COO Sachin Chaudhury. “We use a thumb impression instead of a signature.”
Customers are still getting used to the idea of taking such a big step virtually, Chaudhury says.
“We are launching a new version of the app with improved speed, better biometric recognition, and quicker service, in a few months. It will save customers the hassle and paperwork involved offline.”