Are
you visiting properties to find a new home but don't know what to evaluate
during the visit? Breathe, we are here to help you. We know how important it is
for you to have detailed information during this time and to clear all your
doubts to avoid future surprises. With that in mind, we have separated tips for
you to know what to evaluate in the property during your visit. Keep reading to
find out more!
Buying a property
more safely
Roatan
buyer’s agent was born to make the process of buying and selling a property
simpler, more pleasant and safer, as it should be. We are a real estate
solutions platform and we are here to help you from the search for the ideal
property to the visit, negotiations, credit approval, contract signing and key
delivery.
Our
differential is in our team of sales specialists, who are hired full-time and
with a fixed salary by Roatan buyer’s agent, that is, they are not commissioned
according to the value of the property. That way, they can focus on what
matters most: the customer, their wants and needs during the most important
transaction of their life.
Our
experts know everything about the Roatan Honduras real estate!
Together with them, we created the definitive guide for the first visit, with
tips and important questions about what you should evaluate in the property
before making a negotiation. Thus, you will have all the information you need
to make a comparison between the properties you liked the most and make a more
assertive decision. Check out the full guide below:
The definitive
first visit guide
In
addition to footage, property value and IPTU, find out what to evaluate in the
property when visiting to buy:
1 – When was the
property built and what is the maintenance cost?
To
give you more predictability of costs, find out about the construction date of
the property, and, from that, find out if the maintenance has a high cost or if
there is a lot of delayed maintenance.
2 – How is the
leisure area? Is there anything that still needs to be built that could incur
extra cost?
If
you are visiting condominiums with a leisure area, it is always good to pay
attention to the initial project of this area, checking if it is already
complete or if there is something missing to be built that generates extra
calls.
3 – How is the
neighborhood? What's around?
Take
a tour of the neighborhood where the property is located. Evaluate market
options, pharmacy, gym, commerce; the ideal is that it is walking, thus, the
extreme need of the car for any exit is already annulled. Inform yourself about
the means of transportation to access the address and to travel to work and to
places where family members are used to.
4 – Is there a
generator in case of a power outage?
A
generator can be very useful so you don't have complications in case of a power
outage, especially at the moment we live in which the home office is
increasingly adherent.
5 – What is the
value of the condominium? What is included?
As
it is a monthly cost, the amount can make a difference in your budget, so the
ideal is that this expense is added to the costs of the new property. You
should inquire about which bills are included in the bill, as many condominiums
include gas, water and/or electricity. Also try to find out how this
apportionment is made, if there are individual meters or if an average is made
regardless of the use and size of the property.
6 – Does the
condominium have a concierge, doorman, guardhouse or night watchman? What are
the opening hours?
Find
out about the functioning of the building's concierge, if it has a doorman or
if it is a remote concierge. When arriving at the condominium, observe the
security at the entrance and rules for the entry of visitors and non-residents.
This information is useful both for security reasons and for the comfort and
ease of receiving deliveries.
7 – What are the
condominium rules regarding pets?
Check
if in the building regulations there is any rule regarding pets. By law,
condominium management is not allowed to prohibit or impose limits on pets. In
the case of wild animals, management may require documentation of possession
regulated by Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy in order not to be held
responsible for an environmental crime.
Most
condominiums restrict the movement of pets through the service elevator and
limit their access to common areas such as swimming pools and playgrounds. See
how was the experience of a couple served by Roatan buyers’ agent in the search
for a safe property also for the pet.
8 – How is the
hydraulic and electrical system of the property? Any renovations done or to be
done?
Do
a thorough check to see if there are any apparent signs of problems, such as
leaks, leaks, swollen tiles, moisture stains, cracks or any other sign that
draws attention. Try to test sockets, switches, faucets, everything you have access
to.
9 – How is the
property documentation regularization? Property tax? Deed in the buyer's name?
Condo up to date?
Ask
to see all the property's documentation and make an appointment with the city's
land registry. If the apartment is used, check with the administrator or with
the landlord if there is any debt with the condominium.
In
the purchase and sale process, several documents are required, both from the
seller and the property - which documents are necessary when buying or selling
your property. If you are unsure about the documentation, count on our legal
advice to evaluate the documentation presented.
10 – From the
current decoration and furniture, what is in the property?
If
it's a used property and you have planned furniture and/or air conditioning in
good condition, if it's interesting, try to negotiate for them to stay in the
property, so it's one less expense and worry when moving.
11 – At what time
does the sun shine on the property? Sun in the laundry room?
Also
consider the solar position in the apartment. Typically, those that get sun in
the morning tend to be cooler, and consequently more expensive, and those that
get sun in the afternoon tend to be hotter. Check the places that get the most
sun, laundry is an important part to consider.
12 – Are there any
changes to the structure of the property that you want to make? Enjoy and ask.
Often,
when buying the property, the buyer thinks of breaking the wall and making an
American kitchen or increasing the living room to the area of a bedroom. Some
condominiums have their own manual indicating what can and cannot be done, so
you avoid future problems or frustrations.
13 – Can you close
the balcony with glass? Can you break the wall to create the open concept to
the property?
Normally,
on the balcony, everything that is visible from the outside of the building
must be preserved, therefore, closing is not allowed. However, some condominium
conventions allow these changes, so if you are interested, please inform
yourself during your visit.
14 – What is the
liquidity of this property? Can I sell it fast if I need to?
Research
the average time properties similar to the one you are looking to buy are on homes for sale in Roatan Honduras,
if they have a pattern that easily attracts other buyers. Also check the rental
values, in case you need to use it for income while it is not sold.
15 – Is the asking
price in line with the market?
To
help with your trading, we have created an online pricing with a patented
algorithm. In it, you fill in the property data and check if the owner is
asking for a fair value compared to the market. You can consult our pricing by
clicking here, and take advantage of the tool to prepare yourself even more for
the visit.
Read Also: 5 Essential Tips for Buying a Property