Property Inspection Tips: What to Look For
Rocking up to property inspections can feel a little daunting, right? Don’t worry—we’ve got you!
Here are some tips & tricks we’ve picked up over the years from purchasing property ourselves and experiencing loads of clients over the years do the same.
Let’s dive in and make you an inspection pro!
Practice Makes Perfect
When you’re inspecting properties and talking to agents, confidence is key!
Don’t be shy—put your boss hat on and start asking the questions. Not only will this help you feel more confident, but asking the right questions can also help you work out what to offer. After a few inspections, you’ll be a pro.
Here are some key questions to get you started:
How long has the property been on the market? If it’s been listed for a while, the seller might be more open to negotiating.
What’s the seller’s situation? Are they going through a divorce and looking for a quick sale? Or are they buying and selling, meaning they might want a longer settlement period? Knowing this can help you tailor your offer beyond just the price.
Are there any recent renovations? This can give you insight into the property’s condition and potential added value.
Have there been any offers on the property? If so, what was the feedback from other buyers?
What are the average utility costs for the property? This can help you budget for ongoing expenses.
Are they aware of any issues with the building that could show up on a building & pest report? Get the tea before you make your offer…
Property Reports: Your Secret Weapon
We’ve got a little something extra up our sleeves to help you buy with confidence—property reports!
These reports are packed with valuable info, from property features to estimated market value, ownership history, suburb insights, comparable sales, and the latest market data.
If you’re one of our clients, just send us the property address, and we’ll hook you up with the details you need to make an offer with confidence.
Buying on a Budget?
If you’re looking at older houses and don’t have much wiggle room in your budget for fixes, here are a few things to check during inspections to avoid unexpected costs:
Inside the house: Test fans, lights, air conditioners, stoves, ovens, taps (for water pressure), sliding doors, and locks. Don’t just take the agent’s word for it—you can and should test these things yourself when inspecting the property, don’t be shy! It could save you $$$...
Outside the house: Look for visible cracks, mould on ceilings or walls, and bulging timber (a sign of water damage). Check the fencing and think about potential yard maintenance, like tree lopping.
By doing these checks, you’ll get a better idea of any immediate costs to factor into your budget. No surprises later—just smart planning now!
Struggling With the Process?
If property hunting and negotiating just isn’t your thing, we totally get it. That’s where a Buyer’s Agent can come in handy.
They’re experts at finding properties—even off-market ones—that match your needs and doing the negotiating for you. Yes, there are upfront fees to consider, but their access to hidden gems and their sharp negotiating skills can save you more than the initial cost.
Time is money, after all!
If you’re buying on the Sunshine Coast in QLD; Check out Coast Property for more info.
Ready to Make an Offer?
Got your dream home picked out? Amazing! Check out our guide to making an offer for the next steps.
Your Broker,
Tara.
