Loving the place where you will live with your family is fundamental
Choose a place you like and where you feel good. This little list will help you ask the right questions:
- Quick connections with public transport
- Distance to the highway
- Distance from the workplace
- Schools nearby
- Shops in the vicinity
- Sports facilities
- Quiet environment
- Noise and odors
Visit the property multiple times
Consider making visits at different times and if possible with and without sunlight, to estimate, for example, the level of noise pollution (neighbors, planes, etc.) and brightness.
Also, bring a friend or family member with you, who will likely have a more objective eye than yours. If you plan to do renovations, an architect’s assessment will not be superfluous.
Similarly, if you want to be reassured in your choice, you can always call on an expert, it will cost you around 200€ but it’s an excellent investment, which can prevent you from buying a house with hidden defects or flaws you hadn’t noticed, or a property whose price is overrated.
Seven inevitable points to check
The external environment
It is not trivial to ask yourself if your future purchase is well located. The proximity of public transport, the presence of shops and schools are assets that enhance the property. As well as green spaces and parking facilities if the property lacks them.
Is your home close to your workplace? To the children’s school? Also analyze the neighborhood and the condition of the surrounding houses. Listen carefully and check possible sources of noise pollution (trams, buses, businesses, main roads,…)
The solidity
How old is the house? Check the condition of the walls, ceilings (cracks, sagging,…) and floors (floor unevenness can indicate weaknesses in the building’s structure).
Waterproofing and ventilation
The waterproofing of a house is the management of the natural humidity of the air, the soil, and the flow of runoff water. So check the ambient condition of the house.
Have the walls been recently repainted? Ask to know why, maybe the paint is hiding mold or moisture stains. Bad odors, feelings of cold, halos are all signals that should warn you.
Condensation on the windows raises more of a ventilation and aeration problem than a waterproofing one. Inquire about the ventilation system and check the proper functioning of the air extraction vents by placing a thin sheet of paper in front of them. If the sheet is sucked in by the vent, the test is successful.
The brightness
What is the orientation of the property? But also what is the distance between the vis-à-vis? Are there trees in front of the windows? In short, many elements to check before buying.
Acoustic comfort
Often neglected, checking that there is not too much noise pollution is not a luxury, especially if the building is old.
Are you eyeing an apartment located in a still empty building? Ask for someone to walk, talk, jump in the apartment above and/or next to yours.
Is the building inhabited? What about the ambient noise of the common areas and other apartments? Visit the premises at different times of the day and don’t forget that noises that may be acceptable during the day can become very annoying at night.
Also check the acoustic insulation of the windows: open a window and close it gently to notice the sound differences.
The electrical installation
To judge the electrical installation, an electrical diagnosis must have been carried out by the former owner. So ask to check the current state of the circuits. Also ask for access to the electrical panel, which can be a good indication of the general state of the electrical installation. Also check the grounding, the number of outlets in the rooms and their condition.
The thermal installation
What type of heating is used? Individual or collective? Ask to check the boiler to judge its age and brand and know if it also allows heating water. Check the condition of the radiators, their position and power. Also think about checking the insulation of the walls, the roof, the
Establish a realistic budget
Between the house of your dreams and the one that fits your budget, the gap can be large. Don’t forget that to the sale price are added all sorts of fees such as taxes and notary fees, as well as maintenance costs and unforeseen expenses. Don’t make the mistake of buying a house whose price exceeds your means.
The Crédit Populaire Européen will be your trusted broker to carry out your project. At Crédit Populaire Européen we have a mortgage credit specialist (Ms. Jacqueline Legrand – 30 years of experience) whose professionalism and availability have already made the good days of many of our clients. It is the tailor-made individual approach that is the recognized trademark of Crédit Populaire Européen.