On the Internet, it is easy to find different websites specializing in helping expatriates and foreigners to move to Vietnam, especially to cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are the most popular cities in the country.
It is possible for expats to look seriously for a house via Internet, or at least to be in contact with local real estate agents. Several websites offer online property selling, available in the English language.
Among those are:
www.real-estate-vietnam.com/
www.livinginvietnam.com/
www.knightfrank.com.vn/en .
As for negotiating on prices on houses in Vietnam, you have to be really careful and respect the local negotiation process, which may be a longer process and very different from yours in your home country.