Real Estate on the Internet?

I was on eBay last week searching for some movies to buy when I stumbled upon a real estate ad. I was amazed to see real estate being sold on eBay. Selling and buying real estate on eBay is the height of bartering on the internet. Entire acres and islands are being sold at auction or through realtor websites like Breckenridge Colorado real estate and
Breckenridge homes for sale.

Anyway, I have some unanswered questions. I can personally go and look at a house three or four times, even examine the wood but still I might falter when it comes to buying a house. We are talking of hefty amounts being transacted over the internet. How can the buyer be assured of a fair sale when there is such a huge amount being involved. Also, how can the buyer take such a big risk in spending a fortune on the internet? I for one would never buy expensive items on the internet as the risk factor is a bit too high. But if there are people who are venturing into such deals, hats off to them.