Personal Information: Do not post personal information, such as full names, email addresses, phone numbers, or home/business addresses in the group buying threads. Personal details should only be disclosed in the PMB or Private/Restricted/Hidden forums. Posts containing any personal information will be deleted.

Private Communication: Posting the content from a private communication or PMB in a publicly viewable area of the forum is not permitted. Private communications include any medium where the involved parties have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as: emails, chat logs, instant messenger logs, private messages, private social group posts, reputation comments, etc. Such private communications are to remain private, not shared with third parties. Any such private communication content posted will be removed.

PMB Rule: Private messaging system as well as signatures have been turned OFF for members with less than 10 posts. This is to help combat brokers signing up and messaging members off the bat, which we have received complaints on, and signature spammers.

Agents/Brokers on Group Buying Section: IREF has no issues with real estate agents/brokers signing up on the forum. Their participation is welcome providing they stay within the realm of the forum rules. However the ‘Group Buying’ Section has been primarily created for end users.

Limit on Creating New “Group Buying” Threads: Group Buying forums have been primarily created for end users. You are free to PARTICIPATE in as many Group Buying projects for general discussion, if you are genuinely interested in more than one project. However, you should NOT CREATE more than 3 Group Buying project/s threads. (A time limit restriction may apply for creating additional threads). As Group Buying forums are vulnerable from brokers/agents misuse, our moderators will be constantly monitoring new threads/posts and take action against members who create too many Group Buying threads. In case you are doubtful of such members/brokers, please inform us. While reporting, please include the username, their URL’s/Posts/PMB Messages and other plausible reasons to support your suspicion.

Linking to your Listings: Posts related to ‘Group Buying’ forums should be restricted to this section. Do not post references/links to group buying listings in any other forums of the site.

These forum rules are supplemental to the following IREF Rules/Terms & Conditions:

Forum Rules - Updated 15th December, 2011 Terms & Conditions of IREF Use

Terms and Conditions of Group Buying Forums Use: By using IREF Group Buying Forums, you are agreeing to be bound by IREF terms. If you don't wish to be bound by what you read below, you shouldn't participate in our Group Buying forums. As a member, you understand that the use of the Group Buying Forums is at your own risk, and IndianRealEstateForum.Com holds no responsibility.

IREF will take no responsibility and hence, is not liable for any legal action for any representations about product features or warranties or performance or quality or usability or safety or any other aspect of the end product or service. The maxim of ‘buyers beware’ applies here and buyers should do their own due diligence before making any commitments or purchases. If these terms confuse you, please feel free to contact IREF.

IREF or its staff DOES NOT act as a broker/representative in any of the real estate group buying listings on our forums.

What is Group Buying? Group buying, also known as collective buying, offers products and services at significantly reduced prices on the condition that a minimum number of buyers would make the purchase.

What is Real Estate Group Buying? A unique concept that facilitates buying real estate in a cost effective and efficient manner through the power of group buying. In a group setting, buyers can avoid real estate brokers (save commissions) and negotiate a better/discounted deal with the builder/developer.

How does Group Buying work? Potential buyers connect with one another through a common platform, usually provided by a third party (IREF in this case) and form a group. The group then approaches the builder with a couple of orders and negotiates for possible discounts. The builder, sensing a good opportunity to sell a number of his properties, agrees to the discount. Typically, there is negotiation on discount but the discount is higher than what is offered in individual cases.

What are the advantages of Group Buying? As individuals, buyers cannot negotiate for a better deal since it will not make economic sense for developers. The transaction cost with each individual will be high for developers. Also, an individual buyer will not have bargaining power in a market dominated by real estate developers. By coming together and forming a group, the individual buyers can increase their bargaining power and hence will be able to bag a better deal.

Can I be a part of more than one Group? ‘Group Buying’ forums have been primarily created for end users. You are free to PARTICIPATE in as many Group Buying projects for general discussion, if you are genuinely interested in more than one project. However, you should not CREATE more than 3 Group Buying projects threads. (A time limit restriction may apply for creating additional threads). As ‘Group Buying’ forums are vulnerable from brokers/agents misuse, our moderators will be constantly monitoring new threads/posts and take action against members who create too many ‘Group Buying’ threads. In case you are doubtful of such members/brokers, please inform us. While reporting, please include the username, their URL’s/Posts/PMB Messages and other plausible reasons to support your suspicion.

Is IREF affiliated to any Builder/Developer or Real Estate Agency? IREF or its staff DOES NOT act as a broker/representative in any of the real estate group buying listings on our forum.

I could not find the ability to add/select my city for creating a Group Buying thread? You will need to contact us and we will add your city.

I need more information on a Project. Can I post a thread in the “General Discussion” sub forum? NO. The “General Discussion” sub-forum is meant for discussing general ideas and topics related to Group Buying. You will need to visit the HOT CITIES or EMERGING CITIES forums and use the “Search” function to find your project. There is a big chance that your project is already being discussed and some of your questions already answered. It is best to review the current ongoing project/s thread and if needed, post your query. These old threads are likely to contain much more useful information than what response you might receive by posting a fresh thread. Also, ‘Searching’ helps to keep the forum free of multiple/duplicate threads and also get an answer much quicker.