When it comes to looking at properties, there is a lot to take in! Since most showings are only about 30 minutes long, it is easy to miss some key items! Here are 3 things I personally look for when shopping with buyers.
1) Orientation
Knowing if a unit faces East, West, South or North will tell you a lot about the amount of sunlight that comes in. With the sun setting earlier these days, it isn't uncommon to view properties in the dark, so knowing this information is especially helpful. South units are sunniest, and North receives the least amount of direct sunlight. That said, if you have a South or even SW or SE orientation, keep in mind you may keep the blinds down more often to block out some of the sunshine at certain parts of the day.
A pro-tip is to use a compass on your phone to determine the orientation while viewing the unit, as the listing information is not always accurate!
2) Look Under the Rug
When listing a property, most sellers will opt for staging. This can be super useful to see how a space is laid out, but it can also hide undesirable items in a condo. I always take a peek under rugs to ensure that they aren't hiding any large dents or scratches in the floor.
3) Laundry
Most units will come with ensuite laundry units, however they aren't the first thing you look for when checking out a unit. In fact, they are often missed! I always make a point to find them, and point them out to my client. While they aren't the most important item, it's good to look at their age, condition and size.
These are just a few things I personally look for when checking out condo units for my clients. Here is a list of some other items to look for:
- layout
- building location
- flooring condition
- countertop material
- closet space
- elevator location
- garbage chute location
- lobby condition
- parking availability
- window size
- window coverings
- balcony size
- light fixtures
- overall storage
- wall conditions
- furniture layout
- bathtub or stand up shower
What is most important to you when looking at condos? Share with me in the comments below!
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