- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 04:25 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:50 20:09
Per cent is the level of internet penetration that the UAE is projected to achieve by 2013 with 3.77 million people using online applications regularly. (EB FILE)
The UAE-based property portfolio manager, Leo Sterling, has revealed that online portals are emerging as the biggest marketing tools in the real estate sector.
Referring to the findings published in a recent Rightmove Overseas Research Report, it said the latest trend in internet searches for properties in Dubai saw a 45.5 per cent increase.
Leo Sterling also pointed to a survey by the US-based National Association of Realtors (NAR), which showed that up to 90 per cent of real estate buyers were now searching for properties online, as the internet provided more comprehensive access to a range of value-added features such as multiple photos, videos, mapping functionalities and real estate information.
The new online-led business paradigm has enabled Leo Sterling to build a competitive edge in its target markets with the completion of a comprehensive upgrade of its online portal, which now features up to five languages and provides an expanded range of customer-focused support features such as full search capability for its database, live chat, real estate market advisory, and selling and buying guides.
With internet penetration in the UAE poised to reach 70.5 per cent by 2013 with more than 3.77 million people expected to regularly use various online applications, Leo Sterling disclosed that it intends to harness the country's huge market potential for its online-based services and offerings.
Laura Martorano, CEO and Founder, Leo Sterling, said: "The internet is increasingly becoming an indispensable technology solution not just in offices but in households across the UAE and in our target markets all over the world.
"It is our goal to complement this trend and help internet-savvy real estate clients and agents to optimise the time they spend online by providing them with value-added real estate services through our newly upgraded portal."
"Information is a key element in the real estate business – buyers want to gather as much data before they start negotiations with real estate brokers for a particular property.
"The internet has helped us satisfy this crucial requirement of our clients and we are very pleased to see their enthusiastic response to our new range of online-based support facilities. Our new online offerings reflect Leo Sterling's continued efforts to develop innovative and dedicated services that benefit clients from all our target markets," she added.
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