Buying a home is a major decision. The place you choose may well be the space you live in for years, raising your family, working from, and spending your golden years. It's easy to be dazzled by first impressions. Estelle Littleford, Intern Agent at Century 21 Alberton, says potential buyers should take time to visit on show properties. This serves as an opportunity to become a real estate detective where you can assess if the property is right for you.
Benefits of on show properties
Property viewings provide the chance to get up close and personal with the properties you're interested in. In person, you can get a feel for the space, look out for any potential faults, meet the neighbours, and tour the neighbourhood. Estelle Littleford says having a Century 21 agent accompany you can make the on show property viewing experience even better for both buyers and sellers.
"As a Century 21 agent, we provide you with peace of mind during the process. For buyers, we network amongst our branches to guarantee you will visit a property that ticks your boxes. At the showing, we are present to answer any questions you have about the property or area. It can be a daunting experience visiting a new place so we also provide a sense of security when you pop by.
"For sellers, we take away the stress of meeting potential buyers. Our presence shows buyers you're committed to the selling process by having a property professional on hand. We can assist with staging advice to help your property look its best. We also ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed during every visit."
Process to view an on show property
If you have found a property you like, how do you get the ball rolling? Estelle Littleford says it's a simple matter of the agent contacting the seller and requesting a suitable Sunday or any other date they are available to be a show house. As a buyer, she says the agent will then confirm the appointment with you.
To ensure everyone feels at ease, Estelle Littleford points to the strict COVID-19 protocols Century 21 agents abide by for on show property viewings.
"The seller signs a COVID-19 document allowing us to bring potential clients through which is on our files. Every potential buyer or tenant has to complete a COVID-19 form and sanitise their hands before entering the property."
- View our daily screening checks for potential buyers. [Click here]
- Read our public meeting form. [Click here]
- Read our consent document for sellers and landlords. [Click here]
- Read our on show property conditions directive for sellers. [Click here]
On show property viewing advice
According to Estelle Littleford, not doing proper research is the biggest mistake potential buyers make. In her experience, she has seen potential buyers neglect to get pre-qualified before viewing a property or fail to evaluate the neighbourhood and end up disappointed.
"Potential buyers, ensure you are pre-qualified. This fast tracks the process when presenting an offer to purchase to a seller. Also very important, is to be able to pay the legal costs up front and have a deposit should your bank not offer you a 100% bond."
During the property viewing, Estelle Littleford encourages potential buyers to get as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Here are her top questions to ask:
- What is the size of the stand?
- Are there any defects in the house?
- What are the rates and taxes or the total municipal bill?
- Is there pre-paid electricity?
- Are there plans available for alterations if you wish to build on in the future?
Going in with a good list of questions will prevent any buyer remorse at a later stage.
Next steps after an on show property viewing
After you've had your viewing, Estelle Littleford advises you to think critically about your perception of the property. She says a second viewing is also a good move if the property is hitting the right notes.
"Use a second property viewing to get that final OK from your friends and family. It's important to use this time wisely as once you put in an offer to purchase, there is no cooling-off period and it is a legally binding document."
If you are set on the property - congratulations. You can then put in an offer to purchase and the seller agent will request your FICA documents.
When choosing a home, it pays to be nothing less than 100% sure. An on show property viewing helps you make the right decision. Century 21 Alberton welcomes you to view our properties for sale or to let and contact our agents today.