Whether you think of purchase or of renting, the first impressions count. A viewing of an apartment does not mean only to see how the dwelling looks, but also to find out the answers to the questions which can influence your final decision. Many times, the details observed at the place make the difference between an inspired choice and one which you will regret later.
The truth is that the real estate market in Romania is extremely varied – from new apartments, in modern residential complexes, to dwellings full of personality, found in old buildings. Thus, a viewing prepared with attention offers you the occasion to analyze correctly each variant and to discover which is the dwelling suitable for your style of life. Read further to find out to what you must be attentive during a viewing of an apartment!
Summary:
- The viewing of an apartment allows you to verify directly things impossible to observe in photographs: the natural light, the level of noise, the state of the installations and the general atmosphere.
- An attentive preparation before the visit – documentation, setting of the priorities and a list of clear questions – helps you to remain concentrated and to take an informed decision.
- After viewing, it is important to compare objectively the options, to verify the legal documents and to negotiate the price according to the real conditions of the apartment.
What role has the viewing of apartments?
The viewing of an apartment is the decisive moment in which you can confront the information from the announcement with the reality. No photograph or description can replace the impression which you make when you enter in the dwelling and observe the details at the place.
Here is what is worth verifying at the viewing:
- Natural light and the orientation of the apartment – see in what moments of the day the rooms are more luminous and if the exposure corresponds to your style of life.
- The level of noise – listen attentively, especially if the apartment is situated at the street or in a crowded area.
- The quality of the finishes and the state of the installations – the small defects or the traces of wear can indicate the necessity of some costly renovations.
- The general atmosphere – even if it is a subjective aspect, the comfort felt at the place counts in the final decision.
During the visit, verify if the details from the announcement correspond: the real surface, the number of rooms, the compartmentalization and the promised fittings. At the same time, put questions about the history of the apartment, the maintenance costs and the eventual urbanistic plans from the area. These pieces of information will offer you a complete image and will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises after the signing of the contract.
How do you prepare yourself for a viewing of an apartment?
Preparation for a viewing of an apartment always begins with thorough documentation:
1. Document yourself before the viewing Do not go to the meeting without having analyzed the announcement. Look attentively at the photographs, at the compartmentalization and verify the positioning on the map. See what facilities you have nearby – public transport, shops, schools or green areas. An example of complete presentation and correctly structured you can see at Cloud 9 Residence – Evolution.
2. Set your priorities Think in advance what type of apartment you search and which are the criteria from which you do not make compromises. Do you want a functional studio, an apartment with 2 rooms, a more spacious one with 3 rooms or maybe even an apartment with 4 rooms? If you prefer the green space, analyze in detail also the options of apartments with garden. Thus you will know exactly what you search and you will not let yourself distracted by less relevant details.
3. Prepare a list of questions Note the things which matter for you: monthly expenses, insulation, rules of the block, the history of the dwelling or eventual renovations. The better you are prepared, the more you will obtain clear answers and you will avoid later troubles.
4. Choose the suitable moment for viewing Plan the visit during the day, to evaluate correctly the natural light and the orientation of the apartment. If you can, go also at other hours – morning, afternoon or evening – so that you make yourself an idea about the noise, traffic and the atmosphere from the area.
Which are the most important questions that you should put during the viewing of an apartment?
Well thought questions can help you to discover details which do not appear in the announcement and to avoid the surprises after moving. Organize them on categories, so that you cover all the important aspects.
1. About location and accessibility
- How near are the stations of public transport and how is the circulation in the area at rush hours?
- What is the average time until the main points of interest (center, workplace, schools)?
- What shops, pharmacies or services are found nearby?
- Are there sources of noise or pollution in the area (factories, heavily circulated roads, gas stations)?
2. About safety
- How is the level of safety of the neighborhood, day and night?
- Does the block have intercom, surveillance cameras or guard?
- How are the parkings from the area – safe and well illuminated?
3. About neighbors and administration of the block
- Who takes care of maintenance and administration?
- How are the relations between inhabitants – are there frequent complaints or conflicts?
- What is the level of the monthly maintenance expenses and what services do these include?
- Are there planned works of rehabilitation or renovation of the building?
4. About the apartment and orientation
- Toward what cardinal point are oriented the main rooms and how does it influence the natural light?
- What is the atmosphere in the apartment in summer and in winter from thermal point of view?
- What is the state of the electrical, sanitary and heating installations?
- Have there existed previous problems (infiltrations, neighbors who had major repairs, defects)?
5. About costs and practical details
- What are the approximate monthly expenses (maintenance, utilities, repair fund)?
- How is the metering of the water, gas and energy done – individual or on staircase?
- Is there a parking place included or must it be rented separately?
To what you should be attentive when you evaluate an apartment?
The evaluation of an apartment must be done with attention, to avoid unpleasant surprises and to understand exactly what investment you make. It is important to verify both the legal part, as well as the technical and comfort aspects.
1. Documents and administrative aspects
- Ask for all the acts of the dwelling and make sure that they are in order.
- Verify the year of construction, the materials used and if the building has construction authorization.
- Find out if the block is included in a class of seismic risk and if consolidation works have been done.
2. The state of the installations and of the finishes
- Test the electrical installation and see if it is modernized.
- Verify the water pressure at the taps, the functioning of the heating system and of the ventilation.
- Inspect the walls, ceilings and floors for cracks, traces of infiltrations or other signs of deterioration.
- Make sure that the installations of hot and cold water function correctly.
3. Comfort details
- Verify the tightness of the windows and the way in which the doors close.
- Look if the apartment has enough sockets and if these are placed practically.
- Note the elements which bring an extra of comfort, such as interior or exterior shutters.
What should you do after you have viewed an apartment?
After you have finished the viewing, follows the part in which you must weigh attentively all the obtained information:
- Do not take a decision on the spot, even if the apartment made you a good impression. The distance of one or two days offers you clarity and permits you to look at things objectively.
- Review the notes and put in the balance the advantages and the minuses of each visited apartment. If you have more options, compare them on concrete criteria: maintenance costs, the quality of the finishes, the state of the installations, the positioning in the city and the level of comfort offered.
- An essential step is the verification of the documents: the acts of property, the energetic certificate and the history of the building. Any discrepancy discovered here can mean future problems.
- Before you take the final decision, discuss with the family or with trusted persons. An external opinion can bring out details which you did not observe or can confirm your choice.
- If the dwelling meets the established conditions, prepare yourself for negotiation. Analyze the real prices from the area, set yourself a firm budget and go to discussions with a clear strategy. Thus, the decision will be well founded and you will be able to sign with confidence.
In conclusion, the orientation, the preparation and the attention to details make the difference between an inspired choice and one which can bring unpleasantness. An attentive viewing, completed by the suitable questions and by a correct evaluation, offers you the certainty that you will invest in a dwelling suitable to your style of life. Inform yourself, compare with patience and take a decision based on facts, not only on impressions!
