Real estate purchase: how to spot a good ad and avoid unpleasant surprises?

What criteria should you define before viewing the ads?

Deduct the acquisition costs and the money intended for the work from your budget. The amount obtained serves as a ceiling during your searches on real estate ad sites. A platform like Étreproprio only broadcasts ads from real estate professionals. You can contact the person offering the property directly to ask your questions or arrange a visit.

Before looking for accommodation further than your current one, commute to work during rush hour. If you work from home, consider where to set up your office. Also check if the move requires you to buy a second car.

What information should you check in a real estate ad?

The plan shows whether one room communicates with another, which the photos do not always indicate. In attic accommodation, find out the ceiling height in the location provided for the bed or shower, as the floor space can give a misleading idea of ​​the usable volume.

The parking photographed with the apartment is not necessarily included in the price displayed. If you need it, ask for it.

For a property advertised as renovated, ask for the invoices to find out the nature and date of the work. The kitchen may be new, but the electricity still needs to be redone. Also read the complete energy performance diagnosis (DPE): annual expenses are estimated for standard use of the home.

Finally, check if the accommodation is sold vacant or occupied. Purchasing a rented apartment requires consulting the lease before planning an installation date.

Does the asking price correspond to the local market?

On a real estate site, compare neighborhood ads for nearby surface and state housing. An average calculated over the entire municipality sometimes mixes sectors in which prices are very different.

For the roof, have a quote drawn up by a roofer after an on-site visit. If you are considering an open kitchen, a professional can determine whether the wall to be removed is load-bearing and cost the work.

The last property tax notice gives the amount paid by the owner. For an apartment, ask for details of charges and if heating is included. The amount announced may correspond to the provisions paid during the year. The regularization statement indicates the actual expenses.

What should you check during the property visit?

For a stain on the ceiling, ask for the origin of the leak and the repair bill. Possibly plan a second visit with a craftsman. Open the windows to assess street noise. In a house, also examine the attic and find out about the type of sanitation.

Machine-translated from French