Advice on Buying a Home
Buying a home? Here’s what you need to know before you sign.
Buying a home isn’t something you do every week. These tips will help you keep a clear head, even if the seller has just painted the place.
Before you visit
Know your budget
Ask your bank for an estimate of how much you can borrow before you go to view a property. That will help you avoid disappointment later on.
Make a list
What’s non-negotiable (number of bedrooms, location, yard) and what’s a nice bonus (open kitchen, EPC rating, pool)? That’ll help you keep a clear head during a visit.
View the EPC in advance
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides an initial indication of how energy-efficient a home is and what renovations you may need to undertake.
During a tour
Look Beyond the Decor
Beautiful furniture and decor don't tell you anything about the building's structure. Look for cracks, water stains, and the condition of the roof and windows.
Consider natural light and orientation
A north-facing living room feels very different from a south-facing one. Ask about the orientation if it isn't clear.
Be sure to listen to this as well
Stop for a moment—literally. Can you hear the neighbors, the traffic, the train? A second visit at a different time of day often reveals more than the first.
Ask about recent works
A new roof or an updated electrical system is valuable, but only if you can back it up with invoices or certificates.
Think in terms of potential
A cluttered attic can become an extra bedroom; an outdated facade can boost the property's value. Dare to look beyond the current layout.
Questions you're welcome to ask
- Why is the owner selling?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- What are the fixed costs (property manager, insurance, heating, assessed value)?
- Are there any outstanding zoning violations or pending permits?
A good real estate agent will answer these questions directly. If you only receive vague answers, that in itself is an answer.
Before you make a bid
Get advice on the price
A realistic offer starts with knowledge of the market, not with a gut feeling.
Check the conditions precedent
As a buyer, you can include a condition precedent in your offer or preliminary agreement—usually that you must secure financing within a certain time frame. If you don’t, you’re taking a risk!
Have the compromise reviewed
If you're unsure about a clause, a notary, lawyer, or Polares colleague can review it more quickly than it would take you to figure out what it means on your own.
You don’t have to take every step yourself
Some people like to search on their own and only want help with the negotiations and the paperwork. Others simply don’t have the time or desire to search on their own. We have an approach for both.
Looking for your next home?
Whether you’re searching on your own or would rather leave it to us, we’ll be there to help from the very beginning. Schedule your consultation using the form on the right, or browse our listings.