Real estate: what is the point of a counter-visit?
Have you decided to embark on this great adventure that is buying real estate? What good news! But be careful, don't skip the steps. That of the counter-visit, for example, is essential. So what are the interests of it? We tell you all about this in our article.
One counter-visit, three objectives
Visiting a property is one thing, counter-visiting is another. When you first come, you usually focus on the whole house or apartment without really paying attention to the details. The counter-visit allows you to comb through the property with a fine comb.
First objective: check various points
Have you visited a property that you really fell in love with? Or maybe you saw an apartment or a house that didn't completely convince you? Whatever your case, the counter-visit is essential, because it allows you to verify multiple important points. So, take advantage of the counter-visit to check the condition of the various installations (electrical...), but also that of the roof, the attic or even the walls and floors. Likewise, write down everything that needs to be repaired or even replaced (switches, faucets, doors, locks, ventilation...). Nothing should be forgotten.Is this a condominium? The common areas are to be controlled (stairwell, elevator...). The security of access to the building must also be checked (presence/absence of an access control system by digicode or badge, for example) as well as the various administrative documents related to the management and maintenance of the condominium. The counter-visit is also the ideal time to ask the seller (s) to provide you with various documents such as mandatory diagnoses, water bills, but also heating bills. of electricity and those concerning various taxes (property, housing...) .Note that in the context of the sale of a property, the DPE — diagnosis of energy performance — has been mandatory since 1Er July 2007. An electrical diagnosis must be carried out for all buildings over 15 years old.
Second objective: benefit from the opinion of a third party
Does the property you want to buy require some work? Take advantage of the counter-visit to the apartment to involve a professional who will be able to assess the amount of these (architect, for example). This assessment is important because it may allow you to negotiate the purchase price of the property. The professional plays a triple role: He checks the feasibility of the work. If you want to tear down a partition, for example, he will make sure that it is not a load-bearing wall. He assesses your budget in relation to the amount of work to be planned. If you do not have the money necessary to carry out the various works envisaged, the professional will offer you alternative solutions.He checks the regulations in force (local urban plan, etc.) and the conformity of the desired work with them.If work is not to be expected, come anyway accompanied by a loved one, real estate professional or not. An outside eye is welcome to judge the property objectively and identify qualities and faults that may have escaped you.
Third objective: to inspect the surrounding environment
Checking the inside of the property is essential, but so is taking a look at the outside of it. A nice property in an area without shops or transport will not have the same value as the same property located in a dynamic and sought-after area. So remember to check various elements such as the proximity of shops, transport, transport, schools and doctors or even noise pollution. In addition, do not hesitate to question the inhabitants of the area in particular about the atmosphere that reigns there. And find out about planned construction/development projects. If the property benefits from an unobstructed view, it is an undeniable asset. But if a 12-storey building is to be built in the coming years and “blocks” this view, the property loses value.
Counter-visit and tips to remember
A counter-visit to an apartment cannot be improvised and must be perfectly prepared. Checklist, equipment... Here's what you need to know to successfully complete your second tour of the premises.
1. Make a checklist
Before you go there, make a complete list of things to check to make sure you don't forget anything. Start by listing the elements to check outside the property and then those to look carefully at inside the property.
2. Gather the necessary equipment
To do a counter-visit to an apartment, you should not come empty-handed. In fact, it is better to bring some equipment. A laser meter will allow you to check the surface of the various rooms in the house. A conventional meter will be useful for taking measurements that you cannot do with a laser meter. A notebook and a pencil will allow you to write everything down. A lamp can also be a good idea especially for dark rooms, poorly lit corners and others.
3. Choose a different schedule than the first visit
Was the first time you visited the property at noon or early in the morning? For the counter-visit of the apartment, choose another time to check different points (sunshine, traffic...). It is possible that during the day, the property is very peaceful, but that the atmosphere changes in the evening once all the neighbors have returned home... Also remember to check that there is space to park near the property (private parking...). It would be a shame to spend a long time looking for a place in the evening after your day at work or when you come home from the supermarket.What if you entrust the visits, counter-visits and other steps of your real estate search to a real estate hunter? The entire HOME SELECT team is at your disposal, do not hesitate to contact us.
