Filling out a detailed, multi-stage form can sometimes feel like working in the dark. You might wonder, “What did I enter on the first page?” or “How will this look when I’m done?” The Preview Panel is designed to solve this problem, providing a real-time, user-friendly summary of your work.
What is the Preview Panel?
On both the “Post a Property” and “Post a Request” pages, the interface is split into two main columns. The left column (about 2/3 of the width) is the interactive form you are filling out. The right column (about 1/3 of the width) is the Preview Panel. This panel is not a static image; it’s a live display that updates with every entry you make.
How to Use It Effectively
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As a Real-Time Summary: Instead of scrolling back through previous stages to check your work, simply glance at the Preview Panel. It consolidates all the information you’ve entered so far into a clean, readable format, similar to how the final request or property card will appear.
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For Error Checking: As you fill out each field, watch the preview update. This visual feedback can help you catch typos, inconsistencies, or missing information immediately. For example, if you selected “Lagos” as the state but the preview shows no location, you know you missed the LGA and Area fields.
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To Understand Context: The preview puts your entries into context. Seeing your budget range next to your property specifications helps you verify that the combination makes sense.
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For Motivation and Completion: Watching the preview become more detailed and complete as you progress through the stages provides a sense of accomplishment and clearly indicates how much work is left.
Its Critical Role
The Preview Panel is a core part of our user experience philosophy. It empowers you to create high-quality, accurate listings and requests by giving you immediate feedback. Since requests cannot be edited after posting, and property listings should be precise for good match percentages, this tool is essential for ensuring you get it right the first time. Always use the preview as your guide and final check before hitting the “Submit” button.