The First Visit Guide: See What to Evaluate In the Property Before Buying

 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