Acquiring a property requires meticulous preparation. Visiting a property, whether it’s a house or an apartment, is a decisive step in this process. It’s the moment when you can truly envision yourself living there and assess how well the property meets your aspirations and needs. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for your visit.
1- Define Your Selection Criteria
Even before consulting real estate listings in Paris, it’s important to define your selection criteria. This approach will allow you to focus your search and optimize the efficiency of your future visits.
Start by making a precise list of your expectations for your future home: number of bedrooms, size, presence of a garden or garage, etc.
Also consider practical aspects such as proximity to public transportation, quality of the local road network, and availability of nearby services such as shops and leisure facilities.
To further refine your search, don’t hesitate to consult experts in real estate appraisal. This will help you understand market trends in your chosen area and evaluate if a property is offered at a fair price.
2- Research the Neighborhood
The location of a property is often as important as its internal characteristics. Before committing to a visit, take the time to research the neighborhood. This includes factors such as safety, the reputation of local schools, proximity to shops, healthcare services, and green spaces.
Inquire about ongoing or planned urban development projects in the area. New developments can increase property values in the long term, but they can also cause temporary disruptions such as noise or increased traffic during construction phases.
Additionally, consider exploring the neighborhood at different times of the day. Impressions can vary significantly between a daytime visit and one in the evening or on weekends. This will give you an idea of the general ambiance, noise level, and activity in the area.
3- Prepare Questions for the Agent
During the visit, interacting with the real estate agent is essential to obtain detailed information often not mentioned in the listings.
Feel free to ask questions about how long the property has been on the market and the reasons for the sale. Ask the agent about condominium fees, recent work done on the building or house, and upcoming projects.
Also inquire about technical aspects such as the heating system, insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as energy performance (ask for the EPC).
This information helps you assess long-term maintenance costs and needs.
4- Inspect the Property
During the visit, thoroughly inspecting the property is essential to spot any potential issues and evaluate the overall condition of the property. Here are the points to check:
- Structure and Building Integrity: Inspect the foundations, walls, ceilings, and roofs for signs of damage such as cracks, moisture marks, or mold.
- Electrical and Plumbing Systems: Check the condition of the electrical system and ensure it meets current safety standards. Also, inspect plumbing installations for any apparent leaks or corrosion.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Examine the windows to ensure they are well insulated. Also, check ventilation in damp rooms like the kitchen and bathroom to avoid mold problems.
- Heating and Air Conditioning: Inquire about the type of heating and air conditioning systems. Ask when these systems were last maintained or replaced and check their functionality.
5- Final Considerations and Second Visit
After a first visit, it is often wise to plan a second visit to confirm your initial impressions and examine details you may have missed.
- Revisit Key Points: During this second visit, take the time to revisit areas that caught your attention or seem to need repairs.
- Take Measurements and Imagine the Space: If the property still seems appealing, measure the rooms to see how your furniture would fit. Visualize the use of each space and think about the interior layout to determine if the property truly meets your needs.
- Consider the Offer: Armed with all this information, you can now consider the offer. Take into account any potential renovation or upgrade costs and decide if the asking price suits you.
By carefully preparing for your property visit and asking the right questions, you will be in a better position to choose the home that truly matches your expectations.