Bangkok--25 Mar--Bangkok Bank A recent Bangkok Bank survey has found that house hunters are getting younger and are moving away from traditional methods of searching for a property, with the majority now using the internet to find their dream home. These findings have allowed the bank to improve its internet services and update the information available on its website. The bank is also now able to accept home loans inquiry for on www.bangkokbank.com/homeloans Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Ruchanee Nopmuang said the bank recently issued a questionnaire surveying the opinions of customers looking for homes and found that these customers are getting younger. House hunters are now in their late 20s, whereas previously they were mainly in their 30s. The survey also found that most customers like to search for information about homes on the internet. They use the internet to research the layout and interior design of houses, and find out about new houses at various residential projects and second-hand houses being sold by financial institutions. They also research information on home loans, including the required documents, criteria, and other factors that will help them make decisions, particularly special offers from financial institutions. “The data we have obtained from the survey has helped us to further develop our website with information that better meets our customer’s needs. This includes adding more functionality, providing more links and categorizing the information better for people searching the site. These factors are vital to helping our target customers make their decisions. In 2007, Bangkok Bank also signed a partnership with Yello Media to allow them to list more than 8,500 properties, worth an appraised value of Baht 20 billion, on the classified website www.yello.co.th. In addition, to improve convenience for customers Bangkok Bank has developed an online application service which allows interested customers to start the application process for a home loan on the bank’s website www.bangkokbank.com.” “Previously house hunters used to view the property section of the newspapers, and when they found something interesting they visited developers to obtain further information before making a decision. As consumer behavior is changing it’s important for the property companies adjust their business strategies so that they can reach customers via other channels. This should prompt businesses in the housing industry to develop their websites so they remain prominent and interesting for customers,” says Mrs. Ruchanee. Mrs. Ruchanee said the survey also indicated that location is still the most important factor for customers in their decision making. Customers want properties in good locations with decent surroundings and a high level of security. Those living in cities also prefer locations near public transportation, department stores and schools. These factors are important for customers when making their decision to purchase a house. The standard of houses in the same area and pricing are secondary factors. Bangkok Bank is a “friend” to home owners and house hunters through its Bualuang Home Loan. The bank offers quality used properties for sale and provides advice and support to help customers achieve their goals as ‘We care for you wherever you are’, providing quality service with a complete range of financial products and services.