Most of us will, at some point in our lives, visit houses as part of the process of buying or renting a property. This step is crucial because it provides an opportunity to assess the premises and determine if it meets our requirements. Unfortunately, many people fail to prepare adequately for this activity and underestimate its importance. Given that real estate visits are usually brief, it is vital to prepare effectively to avoid making mistakes. To ensure a successful house visit, it is essential to know which aspects to examine and what questions to ask the person showing you the property. If you are unable to be accompanied by a professional, here are some practical tips to help you navigate the process.

Preparing for the House Visit

If you have arranged to visit a property, it’s likely because you’ve already checked that it meets your needs. Before planning a visit, it’s crucial to know the seller’s asking price and gather information from the real estate announcement, such as the property’s dimensions, number of rooms, and the presence of any desired amenities like a garage, terrace, courtyard, or garden. In short, ensure that the property meets your priority criteria on paper before scheduling a visit. Blindly carrying out visits without proper research is unlikely to lead you to your ideal home. Once you have made these arrangements, you can proceed with the house visit confidently by following the tips below.

Tips for a successful real estate visit:

1.Preparing for a Successful House Visit

Improvisation can cost you dearly in the process of buying or renting real estate. Remember, the seller’s goal is to sell, so they will do everything to convince you. Therefore, it’s crucial to organize yourself and take the lead during the process. To prepare for a house visit, create a visit sheet, checklist, and questionnaire. Bring a pen, camera, tape measure, and flashlight to the property. Additionally, research the real estate prices in the area of the targeted property to evaluate its value and prepare for the negotiation phase. With these preparations, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively.

2.Scheduling the House Visit

It’s recommended to schedule the first house visit during the day as it allows for better assessment of the natural light exposure and ensures that no details are missed during the inspection. Additionally, visiting during rush hour traffic can help evaluate the traffic conditions and measure the related noise levels. While these points may seem minor, they can quickly become significant and even prohibitive. Omitting even the smallest detail can lead to costly repairs after purchasing the property. Therefore, paying attention to these details during the initial visit can save you time and money in the long run.

3.Plan to arrive early for the house visit appointment

It is vital to dedicate sufficient time to ensure that the property you are considering is conveniently located near essential amenities such as shops, schools, hospitals, and other vital services. Conduct a thorough neighborhood survey and tour the surrounding area to assess the environment where the property is situated. The neighborhood’s atmosphere can significantly impact your well-being, and factors such as noise pollution, atmospheric pollution sources, and the neighbors’ perceived level of insecurity can affect your overall satisfaction. Thus, it is crucial to gather this information yourself, which you can later compare with the information provided by the seller during the visit. If the property is an apartment, take this opportunity to inspect the common areas of the building as well.

4.Your first impression of a property is undoubtedly important

During a house visit, it is crucial to avoid being swayed by your emotions and to remain objective. Your first impression of a property, while important, should not be the sole determining factor. It is possible to feel at home in a house that suits you, but it is also possible for a charming dwelling to conceal structural issues that could affect its durability. Conversely, a neglected building can be revitalized with a fresh coat of paint. Therefore, it is important to keep your eyes open, stay calm, and thoroughly investigate the property. Do not make impulsive decisions based solely on your initial reaction.

5.Maintain a cordial demeanor

When negotiating a deal, it is important to be assertive and make your demands clear. However, it is equally important to maintain a polite and courteous demeanor. Even if the person you are dealing with is an assistant, take an interest in them and show respect for their role. Building a positive relationship can be beneficial during negotiations and could potentially give you an edge over competitors vying for the same property. Remember that your good character and friendly approach could ultimately work in your favor.

6.Have a clear understanding of what you’re looking

Here is a list of checkpoints to ensure a successful house or apartment visit:

Check for cracks, damp spots, and traces of mold.
Windows, shutters, and doors: ensure they are solid and open and close correctly.

Check for flatness, smoothness, and the condition of the coating in each room. Lift carpets if necessary to check for defects in the tile or floor.

Look for windows or ventilation systems, test taps and flushes, and check for moisture-related damage.

Ensure the components (board, box, fuse box, wires, etc.) are in good condition, check for an earth connection and differential circuit breakers, and verify the condition and presence of electrical outlets and switches in each room.

Check the condition of pipes and installations, and the distribution and flow of water. Look for any water leaks.

ensure their safety and quality if they exist.

Check for noise from neighbors or outside noise reaching the room when everything is closed. Also assess the temperature inside the building compared to the outside temperature.

Check the view when opening the windows and ensure the privacy of the occupant of the house is preserved from one room to another compared to a person outside.
While checking these items, it is important to ask the seller if it is allowed to take photos. If permitted, take pictures as they can be useful for a post-visit analysis.

7.Asking relevant questions

During a house or apartment visit, it’s important to get answers to your questions from the negotiator, whether it’s the real estate agent or the owner of the property.

Take note of any answers that seem to be difficult to provide, as they could indicate a problem. Keeping a visit report with your notes can be helpful in making an informed decision later on.
After your initial visit to a property, it’s important to take some additional steps before making a final decision.

• Schedule a second visit with a building professional:

While your first visit may have given you a good sense of the property, a professional can help identify any hidden defects or necessary repairs that may impact the value. This information can be useful during price negotiations.
Plan follow-up visits: Visiting the property at different times and in different weather conditions can help you get a better sense of the neighborhood and any potential issues, such as noise levels or lighting. If possible, try to visit on a rainy day to check for any water leaks or drainage issues.

• Assess the property as if you were selling it:

While you may not be thinking about selling the property at this time, approaching the visit from a seller’s perspective can help you be more objective and critical of potential flaws.

• Visit multiple properties:

Don’t rush to make a decision based on the first property you visit. It’s important to visit at least a few properties to compare and contrast different options, refine your search criteria, and potentially find a better fit for your needs. However, be careful not to visit too many properties and become overwhelmed or unsure.

To conclude, a successful house visit is essential for making a good real estate purchase. It requires careful planning and organization as the stakes are high. Skipping this crucial step can lead to serious consequences in your life plan. Therefore, use the advice provided in this article to make the most of your house visits. If you need additional support, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can guide you through the process and ensure that you make an informed decision.