Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Narrow down the suitability hunt
TRENDS reveal most potential home buyers begin their search online, but with exposure to high volumes of listings, they can easily become overwhelmed.
For this reason, Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa, provides some tips to help online searchers narrow down their search criteria and streamline results.
Price: Before looking at any homes online or elsewhere, know what you can afford.
Buyers should assess their finances and get pre-approval on home loan finance.
“It is always best to leave a bit of cushioning in the budget. When entering search criteria online be sure to choose a price range that fits comfortably within the budget’s limits.
“This provides the flexibility to be competitive in the market and submit a counter offer if necessary.”
Check the map: Do not get caught up with the images of the property and forget to look at its location.
A home might be newly renovated and picture perfect, but its location will determine its potential for appreciation in value over time.
“Before contacting the listing agent, consider the property’s proximity to work, good schools and amenities,” says Goslett.
Narrow down your top neighbourhoods: Each neighbourhood will have a different sub-culture and feel, even though they may be part of the same city.
“Searching for specific neighbourhoods will greatly narrow down the property search.”
Photos and videos only focus on certain aspects: Even though technology means you can take a virtual tour of a home, Goslett says viewing a property in this way is still relatively restrictive.
“An online search is an ideal way of narrowing down a property search, but seeing a home in person will give you a much better feel for it and clear up any uncertainties you may have.”