Page 29 - Real estate: a guide for buyers and sellers
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Locating and inspecting properties
Inspect a property to see whether it Some websites have links to
meets your requirements. You should smartphone apps with features to
also consider having a qualified building help your home search. They may list
inspector provide a professional condition recent sale prices and nearby property
report before purchasing. listings, help you create an inspection
shortlist, set up auction alerts, link to
Locating properties for sale mortgage calculators or allow you to
keep notes on favoured properties.
You can find properties using a variety of
methods. • Newspapers
Check the property section in daily
• Internet and local newspapers.
The internet is the quickest and most
popular way to find properties for sale. • Direct contact
Most estate agencies list properties on Directly contacting estate agencies by
their own websites and on real estate telephone, email, fax or in person is
websites. These sites may include another way of finding properties.
information such as:
• Promotional magazines
–– price ranges Many agencies produce free
–– property descriptions and magazines that list properties for sale.
floor plans • Open houses
–– photographs and virtual tours Open for inspection times are usually
–– maps showing the property location advertised in newspapers and online. You
–– inspection times and agent may also be able to arrange an alternative
inspection time with the agent.
contact details
–– recent sales in the area. You may be asked for proof of identity
when you enter the property and to
Some websites allow you to register leave contact details with the agent.
for free email updates of properties This is a security measure and also
matching your criteria, or save provides the agent with a ready
properties to a ‘watch’ list. Some also database of potential buyers, who
provide auction results, which can can be notified if an offer is received
help you determine the current market on the property, or if other properties
value of homes in different areas. You become available.
could also consider a virtual tour of
the neighbourhood using different
geographic websites.
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