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What to Look for When Attending an Open Home

Attending open homes is a crucial step in the property buying process. It’s your opportunity to get a first-hand look at potential properties and gather essential information. To make the most of these viewings, it’s important to approach them with a strategic mindset and a keen eye for detail. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look for when attending an open home.

Preparing for the Open Home

Before you even step foot in the property, there are several things you should do to prepare:

  1. Research the Area: Familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood. Drive or walk around to get a feel for the local amenities, transport links, and general atmosphere.
  2. Plan Your Schedule: Use tools like Trade Me Property’s Open Home Planner to organise your viewings efficiently. Try to group open homes by suburb to save time and energy.
  3. Bring the Essentials: Don’t forget to bring a pen and notebook. You’ll want to jot down your observations and any questions that arise during the viewing.

Assessing the Exterior

Your evaluation should begin before you even enter the house. Here’s what to look out for:

  1. Structural Integrity: Check for any visible cracks in the walls or foundations. Look at the roof condition and guttering.
  2. Cladding: Identify the type of cladding used and its condition. This is particularly important for houses built between the late 1980s and mid-2000s due to the risk of leaky building syndrome.
  3. Outdoor Spaces: Assess the condition of decks, patios, and gardens. Consider the amount of maintenance these areas might require.
  4. Parking: Check if there’s off-street parking or a garage. If not, evaluate the street parking situation.

Evaluating the Interior

Once inside, pay attention to these key areas:

  1. Layout and Space: Consider how the layout would suit your lifestyle. Is there enough storage? Will your furniture fit?
  2. Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to assess the amount of natural light. Consider the property’s aspect and how this might affect lighting throughout the day.
  3. Flooring: Check the condition of the floors. Are they level? Look for any signs of dampness or rot, especially in carpeted areas.
  4. Plumbing and Electrics: Turn on taps to check water pressure. Flush toilets and look under sinks for any signs of leaks. Test light switches and look at the condition of power points.
  5. Insulation and Heating: Ask about the insulation in the walls, floor, and ceiling. Check what heating systems are in place.

Asking the Right Questions

Don’t be shy about asking the real estate agent questions. Here are some important ones to consider:

  1. Property Reports: Ask if there’s a LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report available. This document provides crucial information about the property, including any building consents or potential issues.
  2. Known Issues: Enquire about any known problems with the property. Real estate agents are obligated to disclose any issues they’re aware of.
  3. Recent Renovations: If the property has been recently renovated, ask for details about the work done and whether proper consents were obtained.
  4. Reason for Selling: Understanding why the current owners are selling can provide valuable insights.

Additional Considerations

  1. Body Corporate: If you’re looking at an apartment or unit, ask about body corporate fees and regulations.
  2. Future Development: Enquire about any planned developments in the area that might affect the property’s value or your enjoyment of it.
  3. Building Inspection: Consider making your offer conditional on a satisfactory building inspection. This can provide peace of mind and potentially save you from costly surprises down the track.

After the Open Home

Once you’ve finished viewing the property:

  1. Review Your Notes: Go through your observations and impressions while they’re still fresh in your mind.
  2. Follow Up: If you’re interested in the property, don’t hesitate to contact the agent for any additional information or to arrange a second viewing.
  3. Seek Professional Advice: If you’re seriously considering making an offer, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer and potentially a building inspector before proceeding.

Attending an open home is more than just a casual walk-through of a property. It’s an opportunity to gather crucial information that will inform your buying decision. By approaching open homes with a systematic and thorough mindset, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate properties and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Remember, while it’s important to be thorough, trust your instincts too. Sometimes, the right property just feels right. However, always balance this feeling with practical considerations and professional advice to ensure you’re making a sound investment in your future home.

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