Real estate: what questions should you ask to buy the right property?
Advice from the Swixim international network Buying a property, especially a first one, is no trivial matter.
In fact, for some, it's the project of a lifetime! It's an important step, with its share of hopes and dreams, but also stress, doubts and disappointments. But when you've fallen in love with a property and it's time for your second visit, how can you be sure that you've examined all the essential elements for a successful purchase? Acknowledged since 2005 as a quality brand in real estate services, the Swixim international network has compiled a list of key points to ensure that buyers have all the information they need about their future property, and to avoid unpleasant surprises wherever possible.
Is the environment suitable?
The visit is an opportunity to ask the real estate agent all the questions that will ensure that the environment of the property meets all the requirements and needs of the family: are schools or childcare facilities located nearbý or are they easily accessible? Is the neighborhood well served by public transport? Is there easy street parking? How far away are shops? On these various points, the real estate agent should be able to provide all the necessary details, and very often in a more neutral and transparent way than the seller..., or get information from the commune if necessary. Other factors not to be overlooked: noise pollution, sunshine, distance from home to work, but also from home to leisure activities... It's a good idea to visit the property you're interested in at different times of day, particularly in the evening, to get a better idea of the impact of this environment on your daily life.
What about the land ?
The exteriors of the property are also very important, especially if it's a private home: are the dimensions and general condition of the land suitable? Will it be easy to maintain, or sufficient to satisfy the family's desires (swimming pool, etc.)? Does it correspond to the family's lifestyle? What about the location of the land: flood zone, seismic zone, proximity to a factory, major roads, airport, train station or antenna? If the property you're interested in is located next to an undeveloped plot of land, it's a good idea to find out about future real estate projects. On this point, it's a good idea to consult the town planning authorities and the local land registry to clear up any doubts, but don't hesitate to discuss the matter with your real estate agent, who, as an expert in the sector, will be able to answer any questions you may have. Whether you're buying an apartment or a house, the absence of overlooking and the view are of course decisive and positive criteria! However, it's important to stress that a real estate agent will always be able to suggest appropriate solutions, if necessary: installing a privacy screen, planting a bamboo hedge, or even negotiating the sale price to take account of any work that needs to be done.
What is the exact condition of the property?
Once you've taken a close look at the surroundings and exteriors, it's obviously essential to have a thorough understanding of the condition of the property you're interested in. To do this, don't hesitate to look at the property from every angle, and ask the real estate agent for all the details you need, including:
o Year of construction. Don't hesitate to ask the real estate agent about the possible presence of asbestos.
o The electrical system: how old is it? does it comply with standards? In this context, it's important to check the condition of the electrical panel, and to study the latest electrical diagnosis, which will indicate any work that needs to be done.
o Insulation and heating: what type of heating do you use? How old is the heating system? Is it well maintained? Are there solar panels or a heat pump?
o Ventilation: is it natural or mechanical? Are the air extractors working properly?
o Window frames: are they double-glazed? How airtight are they?
o Floor coverings: what is their quality? Are they suited to the room in which they are located (e.g. damp rooms)?
o Equipment: during the visit, don't hesitate to test the various items of equipment directly (flushes, taps, showers, shutters, blinds, etc.), to make sure they're working properly.
o If applicable, the accessibility of the garage for the family car...the size of the garage, the presence of a recharging point for electric vehicles...
- More specifically, for a single-family home:
o Exterior appearance: when was the last coat of paint applied? Are there any cracks or deterioration on the facades?
o The state of the roof: in case of doubt, you can ask the real estate agent for the opinion of a roofer, who will be able to advise on (and estimate) any work that needs to be done.
o Sewerage, collective or non-collective: is the property connected to the network or does it have a septic tank? is it up to standard?
- More specifically, for an apartment:
o The general condition of the building: when was the last renovation carried out (or is it due to be carried out soon)? Are the common areas (entrance hall, stairwell, etc.) properly maintained? Does the building have an elevator? Or, if not, is its installation planned in the next few years? To find out, it's essential to consult the building's specifications and maintenance booklet, which will supplement the information provided directly by the seller.
How much will it cost?
When making your choice, it's equally important to be fully aware of the annual costs involved in buying the house or apartment of your dreams... To this end, a number of factors need to be taken into account, such as the amount of individual or collective charges, energy and water bills, and maintenance costs. What's more, when buying an apartment, the state of the co-ownership will have a significant impact on the buyer's finances. The law therefore requires that, as a general rule, various documents be handed over to the buyer at the time of sale, such as: the co-ownership regulations, the minutes of the general meetings held over the last three years, the building's maintenance booklet, which lists the dates on which certain work is planned (e.g., façade restoration, boiler replacement, elevator installation or replacement, etc.).
So, to "buy well", the solution may simply lie in knowing how to rely on the expertise of your real estate agent, who, through his perfect knowledge of the area and the property, but also thanks to his network (municipalities, building professionals, etc.), will be able to dispel the questions and doubts of buyers, so that their life project can come to fruition quickly and without any false notes. Note that when you buy your property with an agent in the Swixim International network, you benefit from a unique guarantee, the Fiabilhome® guarantee, breakdown assistance by Swixim International, for the first 3 months of ownership of your new home, on plumbing, heating and electricity (see conditions in the agency or on the swixim.com website).
About Swixim international:
Founded in Geneva in 2005, the Swixim international network has its roots and values on the shores of Lake Geneva. With 250 agents in Switzerland and Europe, Swixim International offers value-added services and guarantees for buying, selling, renting and managing residential real estate.
As 100% successful entrepreneurs with a passion for real estate, the network's agents distinguish themselves by offering a unique customer experience, proven by 97% satisfied customers.
For more information, visit our website: www.swixim.com Press
Contacts :
Swixim international - Caroline GOETZ ASSIDI - Tel: 022 347 44 42
DELVAL RP - Laurence DELVAL - laurence.delvalrp@gmail.com
