Take a copy of this list with you when you go home hunting and make notes as you go along. It is very important to keep records of what properties you have seen and with which agents. Try to view a property in the daylight, as it is easier to pick up any faults the house has. Also try and view a property during the week and on the weekend as you may find that there is more noise or traffic at certain times.
Price
Can you afford it?
Suburb
Do you want to live in this area? What has the value of property done in the area over the past 3 years? What is the crime in the area like?
Property Size
Is there space to extend or build on later, space to put in a swimming pool, higher rates & taxes, more maintenance, place for children to play.
Location
Is it near schools, shops, parks and transport? Is it on a busy road or a quiet close? Is it near an industrial area, are the surrounding areas better or worse? Are the houses in the street better or worse? (Remember your neighbours home will affect the value of your home.)
Aspect and Soil
North or south facing, morning or afternoon sun, overlooked by neighbour's houses or flats. Rocky soil – solid but expensive foundations, difficult gardening. Clay soil - expensive foundations, difficult gardening, good for roses.
Future development in the area
Check the local authority and local residents associations for plans for future highways, roads, shopping centres, schools or low budget developments etc.
Facilities
Does the home have enough bedrooms, bathrooms, separate dining room, size of lounge or a pool? If not, is there room to add what you need?
Fixtures & Fittings
Quality of materials, quality of workmanship, are there built in cupboards, size of geyser, placement of windows, is there a burglar alarm and bars, what other security features are there?
Condition of property
This is a tricky one – you may want to get the help of an expert to assess the condition of the roof, timber, gutters, drains, plumbing, electricity, swimming pool etc. It is important to remember that the beetle inspection does not cover all wood eating insects or wood rot. The electrical inspection is a safety inspection and does not mean all electrical appliances work.
How much to offer
You`ve found a home you like, in a neighbourhood you feel comfortable in. You know the asking price is open to negotiations.
First ask yourself how much is the property worth to you. The same house may be much more valuable to one person or family than to another.
Next consider these questions
1. What is the price?
2. How long has the property been for sale?
3. Has the price already been reduced?
4. What are the owner’s reasons for selling?
5. Is the seller in a hurry to move?
6. Details of bond available?
What were the sale prices of other neighbourhood homes and how did they compare in size and condition?
REMEMBER IT IS THE DUTY OF THE BUYER TO DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF THE PROPERTY, DON`T FEEL EMBARRASSED TO ASK THE SELLERS FOR PERMISSION TO OPEN CUPBOARDS, TAPS, LOOK BEHIND FURNITURE, CURTAINS ETC.
AT REALTORS INTERNATIONAL WE WILL PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION YOU ASK FOR, TO HELP MAKE YOUR DECISION. WE CAN HELP YOU WRITE UP A CONTRACT YOU CAN LIVE WITH AND PRESENT IT TO THE SELLER. BUT REMEMBER, ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE THE PRICE YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR A HOME.
Caution: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this article is correct, Realtors International Bothasig & Tableview will not be liable for any loss suffered by any person due to any error in the article.
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