A property viewing is the moment when the dream of owning your own four walls becomes tangible. Anyone viewing a house relies primarily on their gut feeling. But what do you need to bear in mind so that you can both recognize the potential of the property and uncover any defects at an early stage?
If you are looking at a house soon, you should get a first impression of the property and the surrounding area in advance – whether with or without an estate agent. Thorough preparation makes it easier to assess the price-performance ratio during the viewing.
Before the viewing: Important research and the benefits of an estate agent
Before you enter the house, it’s worth taking a look at the brochure. Here you will find crucial information such as the year of construction, the living space and the floor plan – details that will give you an initial orientation and prepare you for the viewing.
An experienced estate agent is useful right from the start: they know the market, can answer important questions and help you to identify potential shortcomings. With their support, you can focus on negotiating leeway and make an informed decision.
Also request important documents such as the land register extract and the energy certificate to clarify legal and structural details. Use online tools to get a comprehensive picture of the location and check potential risks such as noise or environmental factors. A look at the real estate market in the region will also help you to realistically assess the price and check whether it is in line with current market conditions.
During the tour
Both emotional and factual aspects should be taken into account when viewing a house. Pay attention to how you feel in the room and whether the room layout meets your needs. However, it is also important to check the practical details. Check the number of sockets and water connections as well as the dimensions of your furniture. Also look out for visible damage such as warped window frames or unpleasant odors. The cellar in particular should be checked for damp and mold. The tightness of the roof, the heating and drinking water systems and the condition of the windows, doors and façade are also important.
An experienced estate agent can assist you with this thorough inspection and provide valuable information on possible defects as well as the legal and structural aspects of the property. A thorough inspection of the building fabric is essential to ensure that your investment in the property pays off in the long term and is also important for any purchase price negotiations.
Are you looking for a property that really suits you? Get in touch with us! We will be happy to advise you.
Note
The generic masculine is used in this text to improve readability. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where this is necessary for the statement.
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific individual case.
Photo: © HighwayStarz/Depositphotos.com
