Real estate inspection checklist: These points are important for you as a buyer

We prepare you as a buyer for the appointment

If the initial key data of the property fits in well with your own ideas, the next step is usually a viewing of the apartment or house. This is often a very emotional situation for the prospective buyer. In metropolitan areas, there are usually several applicants for attractive properties - not least because you want to make a good impression.

In addition, there is the wealth of information and impressions that prospective buyers are exposed to during a viewing tour. It is therefore not uncommon for the estate agent to be asked a lot of questions during a house or apartment viewing. Last but not least, there is the important question of whether the purchase price (or the rent set) is justified.

The key is to keep a cool head, prepare well and make the most of the viewing appointment. This is exactly what we want to prepare you for in the following sections.

Prepare property viewings properly: Our checklist for buyers

Buying a property is a life decision that should be made on the basis of sound information. Even before a viewing, it is therefore important to clarify as many questions as possible so that you can use the time on site to address any outstanding issues. You may also find out something in advance that makes a live viewing superfluous. This will save you valuable time and allow you to focus on other properties.

You can clarify these questions before a property viewing:

• Is an online viewing possible?
  In particular since 2020, remote viewings have been possible in many places. The estate agent walks through the house with a camera and is connected live via an online conference, for example using a tablet or smartphone. The main advantages of this option are obvious: there is no need to travel, the appointment is usually possible at very short notice and friends or family members can also take part without any problems. VON POLL IMMOBILIEN naturally offers this service for you - read more about our virtual viewing here.
• Are there any damages or defects in the property?
  The principle of "bought as seen" applies to existing properties. No defects can be claimed retrospectively unless structural damage was fraudulently concealed.
• Does your bank provide you with a financing confirmation for the financing amount?
  If so, you can hand over a corresponding document at the viewing, which you can also obtain from VON POLL FINANCE. This will underline your ability to act quickly.
• What documents about the property can you receive in advance?
  Exposé, current extract from the land register, parcel map, energy certificate, list of building encumbrances, architect's calculation of living space, floor plan, development plan, renovation measures - preliminary information such as this is extremely helpful for you to get an initial overview and prepare questions for the viewing appointment. We will of course be happy to advise you on all of these topics: You can contact us here.
• What is the infrastructure around the property like?
  You can easily check points such as shopping facilities, public transport connections, distances to schools, doctors and parking facilities on a preliminary walk in the surrounding area and gain initial impressions of the neighborhood. Extra tip: Drive by on both weekdays and weekends, as there can sometimes be noticeable differences in the situation.
• What's going on in the neighborhood and what can you tell about the location of the property?
  Be curious about the area surrounding the property, what is unusual about it and whether, for example, construction is currently underway or a generational change is taking place. In the world of real estate, the credo 'location, location, location' applies for a reason - the location factors at micro and macro level (e.g. infrastructure, local recreation, basic services, cultural offerings, green spaces and much more) are very decisive for the quality of living.
  
  

In addition, you can also look for a real estate expert in advance. You can then consult them quickly and easily at a possible second appointment.

Our 10 tips for viewing houses and flats

Every year, our estate agents accompany countless prospective buyers to viewings. We are happy to pass on this many years of experience to you.

With these 10 tips, you'll be well prepared for your viewing appointment:

1. Stay objective.
   Emotions are part and parcel of real estate. But even if you are spontaneously enthusiastic about a property, stay objective and sober and pay attention to every detail.
2. Visit everything.
   Don't skip a room just because you don't have enough time, for example. In this case, arrange a follow-up appointment so that you can inspect everything.
3. Come in pairs.
   Whether it's a partner, friend or family member, the second person will pay attention to different things than you and will therefore offer you a different - and usually more objective - view of the property.
4. Visit in daylight.
   In the dark, it is often difficult to identify any defects in the building fabric.
5. Change the inspection time.
   If you were on site at the first appointment in the morning, it is advisable to schedule the second appointment for the afternoon. At a different time of day or on a different day of the week, you will get different impressions of the property (position of the sun, traffic, neighborhood, soccer field nearby, etc.).
6. Take lots of photos.
   Document things that are important to you or were not shown on the exposé. You should also have a folding rule with you to check measurements.
7. Ask questions.
   You can't be curious enough during the viewing. Whether it's the neighborhood, background noise, building law issues or previous damage: everything is of interest to you in order to obtain the broadest possible basis for making a decision on your potential property purchase.
8. Roof, windows, heating - when was it renovated?
   Information like this is particularly important for estimating the investment budget over the next few years. It also gives you an indication of whether the current sales price is justified.
9. Insist on a follow-up appointment.
   It is your right to inspect the property again live if you are unsure about any points. You also have the option of taking an expert - or of course a professional real estate consultant you trust - with you.
10. Make a list of pros and cons.
    After the viewing appointment, make a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of a property and draw up an honest summary.

Conclusion - the most important points summarized

A viewing appointment brings with it a lot of emotions and information that prospective buyers have to sort out for themselves. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity to gain clarity about the decision-making process when buying a property. This makes it all the more important to go into such an appointment well prepared so that you can really address all the key points and evaluate them for yourself.

Contact us at any time via our contact form or by phone on +49 69 26 91 57-0 - or simply look directly in our property search for properties in your area.