Viewing a property for sale is an important step. For a prospective buyer, this first meeting is an opportunity to discover the property in detail and assess whether it meets their expectations and needs.
If you’re interested in a house or apartment for sale, we recommend always preparing well for your viewing. At EASY Estate, your real estate agency in the province of Liège, we’ve created a guide to help you make the most of your next property viewing!
What to do before the property viewing?
Have you fallen for a property and scheduled a viewing with the seller or the real estate agent? Before the big day, get ready!
Create a list of criteria
When searching for a property, you’ve certainly already established search criteria to narrow down the listings: location, orientation, number of bedrooms, EPC (energy performance certificate), etc. Write all these points down on paper to bring with you to the viewing. This list will let you check that the property matches your expectations.
Visit the surroundings of the property
When you visit the property, you won’t always have the chance to observe the neighbourhood on the same day. To avoid unpleasant surprises later on, we recommend going there in person to explore the surroundings before the big day.
Facilities in the neighbourhood
First, check the various facilities. Is there public transport? Can you park easily? Are there shops within walking distance? Are there schools near the house or apartment for sale that you’re interested in? Having a bus stop, a supermarket, a pharmacy, a bakery, or a school nearby will make everyday life easier!
The various nuisances
Also be mindful of any nuisances, such as noise, traffic, or safety in the neighbourhood! To assess these criteria, try visiting the neighbourhood several times at different moments: on weekdays, during rush hour, on weekends, in the middle of the day, when school lets out, etc. This will give you a better picture of the neighbourhood’s activity.
Ask your future neighbours
Take the opportunity to ask a few questions to your potential future neighbours. They can honestly tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of living in the area, as well as any useful information that could influence your decision: upcoming construction, ongoing projects, etc.
Prepare your list of questions
A property viewing goes by quickly, and plenty of questions can pop into your head. To avoid forgetting to ask the most important ones, take the time to write down your questions in advance. You can then ask them to the real estate agent or the owner at the right moment.
Here are a few questions to put on your list:
- What is the condition of the property? Have there been any renovations or work done recently?
- What equipment and installations are in place? Is the heating, electricity, air conditioning, water heater, and other equipment up to standard and working?
- Has the house ever suffered any water damage? Are there any damp issues?
- What is the house’s energy performance (EPC)? Has any insulation work been done? Do the window frames need replacing?
- Is the building’s overall structure in good condition?
- What is the surface area of the land? What is its orientation?
- Etc.
How to properly visit a property for sale?
Is it the big day? Here are a few tips for a successful viewing!
Arrive on time and allow enough time for the viewing
The agent or owner usually shows the property to several visitors throughout the day. To make sure you have enough time to view it, try to arrive a little early. Don’t schedule anything urgent right after the viewing. This way, you’ll have the chance to explore every corner of the house without feeling rushed!
Inspect every detail and ask your questions
Walls, roof, fittings, windows, potential work needed, damp, etc. Go through the whole house and ask the questions on your list to the agent or owner. More may come up as the visit goes on. Don’t hesitate to be proactive and inspect the house from top to bottom.
Try to picture yourself in the house
Beyond the factual elements, you also need to feel good in this home! Here, it’s your gut feeling that matters most. Do you feel comfortable in the rooms? Can you see yourself living there? Can you picture how you’d arrange your future home? If you can already picture yourself there, that’s a pretty good sign!
Ask for the important documents
Always ask to obtain the EPC certificate and the electrical installation compliance report for the property. This will let you estimate the future work required yourself. You should always factor the cost of this work into your purchase budget!
Take photos and notes
If you have permission, take photos of the rooms, the exterior, and any details that concern you. This will let you reflect on these different aspects with a clear head, and possibly compare this property with another one you’ve visited or are about to visit.
Also jot down your impressions on the spot, as well as the answers to your various questions. This way, you’re sure not to forget anything afterwards.
What to do after the property viewing?
After inspecting the property and gathering the necessary information, the next step is to make an informed decision. Always take some time to think it over.
The purchase offer for the property
If you’re won over and convinced by the property, you can make a purchase offer. You’ll need to state the price you’re prepared to pay to become the owner, the deadline for your offer’s validity, and any conditional clauses (in the case of a mortgage loan, for example). Careful: this offer is binding! Your real estate agent will help you with this process.
The second visit to clear up your doubts
Still have some doubts after the viewing? In that case, arrange a second visit. This will let you ask your new questions and examine aspects you may have missed.
For the occasion, ask to be accompanied by an expert (if you have questions about renovations or the building’s structure, for example) or a trusted person who can give you their opinion. This will help you make your decision.
Trust EASY Estate for your property purchase
Looking for the house or apartment of your dreams? EASY Estate, your trusted real estate agency, is by your side to give you the best advice for this purchase. During the property viewing, we’re on hand to answer your questions with full transparency.
