Viewing properties is an important part of buying your dream home. It allows you to find out more information regarding the locality and the surrounding amenities, the physical condition of the unit itself, and forms an important part of the negotiation process. Here are some of the important things you can do for a more productive viewing:

Locality and Surroundings

Source: HDB

Before viewing your property, make sure you have scouted the area and the location of the property. If you are viewing a landed property, look at the size of the driveway, nearby amenities, nearest bus stop, and the neighbors. For condominiums, look at the nearest exit from the unit you are viewing, the amenities within the development, and the distance between the unit and the car park or the entrance of the condominium. If you are someone who prefers peace and serenity, look out for properties away from the road.

Conversely, find somewhere with pool-facing or near the main road if you prefer some noise and prefer a bustling city lifestyle. Similar concepts apply to HDB properties as well, such as the entrance of car parks and whether there is any disunity in the area that could either generate excessive noise or problems for you. Looking out for your neighbors is important as well because you do not want a problematic neighborhood or neighbor.

Layout and Orientation

Knowing the layout that fits you best would be important. If you are someone who is particular about Feng-Shui, it is important for you to find a property that has a regular size layout and ensure that the layout of the property meets your Feng-Shui requirements.

This includes the entrance of the main doors and bedrooms. It is also important for you to check the floor plan and ensure that the property you are buying is the same as what is on the floor plan.

This helps you avoid any problems such as illegal or uncertified changes to the property. Additionally, look out for any illegal fixtures like window grills in the yard or exhaust fans in the toilet. Ensure that the owner has relevant documents as evidence of approval from HDB, BCA, or the building management. This could also help you by reminding the owners to make good before handing over the property to you.

Last Offer

Knowing the last offer for the property could give you a gauge on the amount of money you could negotiate for. This would help with the negotiation process afterward should you want to give an offer for the property.

Price

Due to the notion of Caveat Emptor or let the Buyer Beware, you need to do your due diligence when viewing the property. Check for any defects or molds you could find in the walls or the flooring. Look out for any uneven surfaces or leakages that could be used as a negotiating factor to ask for a lower price. Ensure that you have arranged for a technical inspection of the property with your agent to help you with all the potential problems. One common issue is mold and leakage for the air conditioning. Make sure you do your own due diligence!

Here are some checklists you could do before viewing the property: Are there any pubs or bars nearby that could generate some noise in the evening? Can you walk to a nearby shop to get some medications like Panadol in case of an emergency? Is the property easily accessible to the Singapore public transport system? Are the roads noisy? Are you near a rubbish bin, is there any smell generated from it? Are you near a school of your desire? Do you see yourself living in this property and call it home? 

We understand it is a huge decision to purchase a home and here at Storeys we want to provide you with all the assurance that your new home will be perfect. Reach out to us at hello@storeys.sg or call us at 8366 8383 today!