You have spotted an advertisement on the Internet, and you want to know more, make an appointment for a visit! If you like the object on the screen, it is of course essential to visit the property to get a real idea of the flat or house you want.

But beware, visiting a property is not something you can improvise.
Before you even show up for your appointment with your real estate agent, you should be prepared.

Listen to our advice!

The property visit: practical tools

To ensure that a visit goes smoothly, it is advisable to equip yourself with a few small tools that may prove useful:

• A measuring tape, which will allow you to make some measurements. This is even more necessary if you are visiting an empty property, as the proportions and space will be difficult to assess.
• A pen and paper to record your measurements and remarks.
• A camera or a smartphone. Remember to ask permission before taking photos.

The property visit: thea useful checklist

You can prepare your checklist in advance as a reminder for your visit. This list will contain all the checkpoints you need to do, and there are many!

There are those that are visible, such as kitchen equipment, heaters, floor or wall coverings, storage space... that's what we look at and see first. But there are also less obvious things that we don't necessarily think about. It is better to write them down.

Some examples of items to include on your list: 

• Windows and doors: is the thermal and sound insulation of good quality? 
• The shutters: are they in good condition, and do they black out well? 
• Television and Internet: check the sockets and the network
• Sockets: are there enough of them, are they well placed?
• Look for signs of moisture, try the taps
• Control the exposure with your smartphone's compass
• Request diagnostics

Without mentioning them all, if you wish to buy a flat, there are also all the aspects relating to the co-ownership, which includes the lift, the state of the common areas, the entrance door to the building, etc.

If you are buying a house, the roof, the attic, the pipes, the electrical installation, etc. must be checked.

You can also prepare your questions in advance, to make sure you don't forget anything (date of construction, work carried out, amount of property and housing taxes, etc.)

The property visit : the neighbourhood

Always take an interest in the neighbourhood before visiting the flat or house.
A simple walk through the surrounding streets will teach you a lot (do this even if you know the city, you might see things differently).

This neighbourhood map will give you information on traffic, parking spaces and the general atmosphere. You will be able to find shops, schools and bus stops. There are also all those little things that make life easier, such as the presence of a pharmacy or a post office.
Go as far as interviewing neighbours if you can.

Enjoy your visit!