Top tips to help buyers when looking for a new home

1. Winnipegs Real Estate Blog - Bo Kauffmann, REALTOR®
Info and Tips for Buyers and Sellers of Winnipeg Real Estate - http://blog.winnipeghomefinder.com
Top 5 Tips for viewing a home which is for sale
by Bo Kauffmann - Monday, June 01, 2015
http://blog.winnipeghomefinder.com/top-5-tips-for-viewing-a-home-which-is-for-sale/
Home Buyer Tips for viewing a property
Picture Source:
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/sep/19/tenants-week-landlord-diary
Properties are a big deal so you should give them the attention they deserve. Some people just spend half
an hour inspecting a house that they plan to make their home for the considerable future. Even if you
don’t plan on living there long, if you make a mistake you will live to regret it; real estate has a habit of
being ruthless. To make sure that doesn’t happen have a look at these top tips. They are a lifesaver.
Are You Being Fooled?
Unless you're viewing the property with your own Buyers Agent (and you trust him/her), keep in mind
that the Listing Agent works for the home seller, and often will try anything to sell the property , within
reason. They are not your friends, so they don’t have your best interests at heart. In that respect, look out
for tricks and sleight of hand that make the property seem more appealing. A nicely placed mirror, decent
lighting or a lick of paint might just be enough to trick you, so watch out.
Is It Sound Structurally?
The interior of the house might look like the inside of Buckingham Palace, but it doesn’t mean anything
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2. Winnipegs Real Estate Blog - Bo Kauffmann, REALTOR®
Info and Tips for Buyers and Sellers of Winnipeg Real Estate - http://blog.winnipeghomefinder.com
if the building is about to fall. The structure and foundations of a property are difficult to spot because
they are underground and don’t show up until something is about to go wrong. Look for big cracks and
subsidence as they are a dead giveaway. If you have any issues, get a surveyor to give it the once over.
Space
Space is in short supply so make sure there is enough of it. Space isn’t just about the rooms and what you
can fit in; it is also about what you can’t fit in. Chances are you will have a lot of stuff, but what are you
going to do with it if there is no storage space? Of course, saving space is just as important as well, so you
do have leeway, but you are not a magician. You do have to be a bit of a psychic because you need to
look into the future if your little family plans on growing. It all needs taking into account.
The Surrounding Area
How is the area? Are the transport links good, what about the schools for the children and even the shops?
Are they close enough to walk to, or do you need to drive for ten minutes? In the end, it all depends on
what you are willing to put up with, but it isn’t rocket science that the nearer and the better the facilities
are, the easy it is for you.
Damp
It sounds innocuous enough, but damp is a big issue. It can get into the foundations and cause a lot of
troubles that you don’t want. Tell-tale signs are mould and fresh paint to cover over damp that may be
there.
It takes time, and it is a lot more hassle, but this property could be in your life forever, so you need to get
it right. If you don’t, then your life will be a lot harder.
Bonus Tip
There are many reasons why, as a home buyer, you should work with your own agent. Don't gamble with
the largest investment you'll most likely ever make: hire your own agent to represent you in the process..
Bo Kauffmann of Remax Performance Realty is a top producing, 10-year veteran real
estate agent in Winnipeg. He specializes in representing home and condo buyers and sellers, and a proud
supporter of D'arcy's Animal Rescue Centre. You can find his main listing website at
WinnipegHomeFinder.com. You can follow him on Twitter, see his Facebook Page and circle him on
Google+ or LinkedIn.
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