An online ad is a good way to find a home. It is not evidence to buy one on. A photo, a "sea view" tag and a headline price describe what someone is offering. Your job is to check what the offer actually includes, whether that person can sell it, and whether the papers back up the claims.
1. Identify the exact property
Ask for the building, wing, floor, flat number and area basis. "Near Pali Hill", "Juhu" or "Carter Road location" can cover a much wider area than you think. Ask whether the photos show that flat, a sample flat, a different floor or an artist's impression — and check the view from the actual unit.
2. Check the registration yourself
MahaRERA requires advertisements for registered projects to show the QR code, registration number and the authority's website (Order 46C/2025). Use that as the starting point, not the end. Enter the details on the MahaRERA portal yourself, and do not assume one phase's registration covers another tower. For resale, have your lawyer check the seller's ownership separately.
3. Put the price on one basis
Get the carpet area and a written all-in cost breakdown. Then compare like with like: usable area, floor, condition, view and building. A low rate quoted on saleable area can look like a bargain when it is not. We explained why in Why the same 3 BHK costs crores more one building away.
4. Keep a record
Save a dated copy of the ad, the quote and key messages. Make sure the promises that matter end up in your documents. Never send money to "unlock" an address or hold an unseen flat. For any token, verify the recipient and get refund terms in writing.
The practical takeaway
Use ads to build a shortlist. Use documents, a proper site visit and independent advice to decide.
Frequently asked questions
Does a MahaRERA number guarantee a good purchase? No. It identifies a registered project; it does not tell you if the flat or price suits you.
Can a genuine ad go out of date? Yes. Confirm availability, price and terms directly.
Are professional photos a warning sign? Not by themselves. What matters is whether they show the property on offer.
Comparing listings in Juhu, Bandra or Khar? Call or WhatsApp Dhaval Seth at Khojmaster Property Consultants — 9321058605 — to compare the actual homes behind the ads. MahaRERA-registered advisory (A51800047853). Zero brokerage on new purchases.
Sources: MahaRERA Order No. 46C/2025, 8 April 2025; MahaRERA portal. This article is for general information only.