Two years ago we focused on the way Europe meets the Internet here and here and how this relatively new means of communication has changed the way people do real estate transactions in terms of marketing. Our conclusions then weren't very flattering comparing Europe with the leader on this kind of market, the United States. A new review made recently shows some constant patterns in the Old Continent, but also suggests for the growing understanding about the usefulness of the Internet, especially among generations that were so far underrepresented among the online population.

When two years ago I made my principle statements concerning the level of Internet development in the European real estate market, I expected a wave of protests and counter statements. It was for my big surprise that I got none of these. In fact, my audience in Western Europe is reputed to be among the most tolerant in the world. This was an obvious exception given the high level of intolerance and aggression coming from other parts of the world, notorious for their rudimentary market practices. Only recently I was reminded that perhaps my 2-year old statements may be slightly out-of-date, so I was asked to provide the public with up-to-date information about the current situation.

The first impression I got when browsing European real estate sites was that the situation hasn't improved dramatically, although many sites show increased sensitivity toward the online market opportunities. The basic conclusions concerning the lack of multi-language services, the lack of sufficient community information, and of integrated MLS for many countries, all this is relevant until now and doesn't play in favor of the continent nor in favor of those who may be interested in acquiring properties. More sites as percentage look better even much better than 2 years ago and fewer sites require some urgent improvements in order to meet at least some minimal standards of marketing tools, e.g. the presence of clearly identifiable contact information.

An interesting trend that didn't exist 2 years ago, as far as the reviewed sites then were concerned, is the growing understanding of the importance of retirees as a strong force that can influence the market in these times of economic uncertainty and growing unemployment. The growing number of persons that are "55 and better" and flee their countries in search for better values and better climates has indicated that these millions shouldn't be taken as granted by their countries of origin.

There is an understanding that the specialized real estate sites must turn attention toward these buyers. The problems that face these agents are twofold. On the one hand, Europe unlike most parts of North America isn't linguistically homogenous. Many sites are predominantly in one language, making them beyond the reach of many potential customers, no matter how useful is the information they offer. On the other hand, the retired persons or the persons near retirement are exactly those who have been underrepresented among the online audience for so many years. It isn't only about bringing the information to them, but also about bringing them closer to the Internet, a media that for some of them is still a needless pastime they associate with their children and grandchildren.

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