April 27, 2024

1. Assess your borrowing capacity

Before you even begin your research, it is crucial to determine your actual borrowing capacity.

- Get a mortgage pre-approval to find out how much you qualify for.
- Differentiate between what you can borrow and what you actually want to borrow to maintain your quality of life.
- Evaluate different financial scenarios, including additional costs such as renovations or maintenance costs.

* Tip: A mortgage pre-approval will give you additional leverage when negotiating with a seller.

2. Make a list of pros and cons

Don't be seduced by a property's aesthetics alone! Take a step back and analyze all aspects before making a decision.

- How do you feel about the neighborhood and the city?
- Does the environment suit you (transport, schools, shops)?
- Is there any work to be planned in the short or medium term?

*Tip: After each visit, note the positives and negatives to objectively compare the properties visited.

3. Analyze the property's environment

When you fall in love with a property, you sometimes overlook certain details. Take the time to study the property's immediate surroundings.

*Checks to be made:
- Ambient noise: Are there noisy neighbors or heavy traffic?
- Unpleasant odors: Some areas may be affected by industrial or agricultural odors.
- Visits at different times: Is the neighborhood as pleasant in the evening as during the day?

* Tip: Walk past the property at different times of the day to avoid any unpleasant surprises after purchase.