Buying a property is associated with many questions. You want to be sure that you are actually investing in the right property. Especially if you are not a professional or are buying a condominium or house for the first time, you may not be very familiar with the entire process. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with people you know and can trust when buying a property. For example, inexperienced property buyers can benefit from professional home buying advice.
In this article, we explain what you need to look out for when buying a property and who you can contact for help and advice.
Who can I get advice from when buying real estate?
Many people turn to a real estate agent when they are looking for a suitable property. Estate agents have an extensive portfolio of properties and know their way around the market. Added to this is the special relationship of trust that exists between them and their clients. As a property seeker, you have the opportunity to ask any questions and receive comprehensive information about the various aspects and details of a property purchase.
If a property has already been shortlisted, an architect can be consulted during the viewing. Architects can assess the building fabric and provide information on the quality of the property. A real estate expert can also prepare an appraisal of the property and then make a recommendation for or against the purchase.
How much does advice on buying real estate cost?
The cost of advice when buying a property depends on the scope of the advice or service provided by the expert. As a rule, real estate agents do not charge separate consultancy fees because these are already included in the agent’s commission.
If you commission an independent expert to draw up an expert opinion, you will of course have to pay for this separately. It is also possible to consult architects or craftsmen. However, this is often associated with the expectation of receiving an order in the event of a positive purchase decision, for example for the conversion, refurbishment or renovation of the property.
Checklist: What should you ask when viewing a property?
Of course, you should address all aspects that seem relevant to you when viewing the property. These points and questions are particularly important:
- Does the property have a plot of land?
- What is the condition of the building?
- How are the interiors designed and divided up?
- What is the quality of the building fabric?
- How high are the ancillary costs for the property?
