How to make the most of your Open for Inspection.
By | 3rd Apr 17

They say first impressions are the most important, but do you know what to really look for when you attend an Open for Inspection? It’s often a really exciting time in anyone’s lives and it’s easy to get swept up in the narrative of a beautifully displayed home! We get it, we have been there ourselves!

We’ve compiled some tips to help you make the most of your next open for inspection.

Do extra research – when you look at a listing, they are showing the residence in its best light. So to help you scale down your search you can use simple online tools to really determine if a certain OFI is worth your time. Simply Google the address and choose street view to see what the house looks like on the outside and if there are any obstructions that may be a deal breaker for you.

Make a shortlist with notes – it can be a long day inspecting properties, and with only a small time frame and pressures to get to the next inspection, it’s easy to forget or not fully take in your surrounds. We suggest having your shortlist of properties with notes on what you initially liked when you viewed the property online and what you want to look at in person before you go in. With a crowd, it’s easy to get caught in the drama and excitement of an open for inspection and you may lose focus!

Be inquisitive – Does the house smell damp? Can you see mould in the cupboards? What is the water pressure like in the shower? These little details can drive you crazy and they are often missed. Use all your senses and look past the beautiful furniture and fresh flowers – keep an eye for ceiling corners, any cracks or termite damage as well.

Look past the interior decoration – If the walls are pink and that’s not really your colour scheme, it shouldn’t make the house a deal breaker. Things that can easily be fixed such as paint colour or carpets can be a blessing in disguise. If the property is structurally what you desire an ugly bathroom could see you snapping up the property for a great price! Not many people can visualise a quick rejuvenation, which may be your advantage in a hot property market.

Ask all the right questions – be the first person in and the last to leave. Asking many questions is the key to understanding if the property you are inspecting is the one for you. You may want to ask the ratio of owner occupiers to renters in an apartment block or if there's any history with the building. Speaking to the agent to get as much information or documentation does a few things. Firstly you are arming yourself with as much information as possible to make an educated decision and secondly you build rapport with the agent. If this property is not the one you end up buying, they may have insight to others that have not been listed on the market yet.

It’s really important to have your non negotiables. Your happiness and lifestyle is important and part and parcel when you are buying a home. Ensure you have your list of notes handy to ground your decisions and keep focused as it’s easy to get emotional when searching for your home.

Don’t have time to go through the whole search process? Do you know as part of our buyer’s advocacy services we locate, shortlist and research property on your behalf? Get in contact today on 1300 697 356 to see how we can help!