Real Estate Agents are tasked to present the properties in the most favourable light. By highlighting the desirable attributes while disguising the unfavourable in order to achieve the best results. Consequentially, this can lead to a blurring of truths, especially where there may be more negative characteristics than positives. These three things below are topics that real estate agents prefer not to be asked about as they can be easily blurred.
Is the parking on Title?
For apartments in high-density residential areas, parking is an important consideration in any purchase. It attracts a significant premium especially where car spaces are hard to find. Real estate agents will advertise that an apartment has one car space. Where in reality it has access to a car space on a first come first serve basis, also known as ‘scramble’ parking. The car spaces are reserved for residents of the building on the property, but there is no guarantee that the car space is available for all residents.
This is a major concern for you because comparable recently sold properties with parking that are displayed at open for inspection as’ evidence’ distort a buyer’s perception of value. As technically the property does not have a car space as part of the title of ownership. Furthermore, there is no guarantee of the nature of the car space, whether it’s a lock-up garage; on the title; undercover etc? It’s important to conduct your own due diligence around all recently sold comparable properties.
Does the Northern aspect face living and entertainment spaces without obstruction
To the property novice, you need to understand that a northern aspect is an important factor to consider in any property search. Beyond that, they can be confused about what they should be actually looking for. In the southern hemisphere, a northern aspect allows for the maximum penetration of light throughout the whole year. Ideally, you would want the most light in the rooms where you would spend most of your time during the day. As real estate agents can manipulate how an aspect is conveyed. They can often state that a property has a northern aspect even though that ‘northern aspect’ may not convey the best penetration of light for the property. There could be an obstruction such as the neighbouring property or a large tree that blocks light. Bring a compass and analyse the layout of the property.
What is the size and what does the size include? car space, balcony etc?
The size or measurable area of apartments can fluctuate. Before employing the use of surveyor, it’s important to recognise what area figures are included and omitted. These are largely depended on the given purpose of why the area is required. For example, floor space ratios can exclude balconies as part of the overall development application. Some apartment balconies have been completely enclosed to create extra internal space although records may not be up to date. Sometimes, even apartment sizes would include the car space in their calculation of the overall space. This can lead to a distortion of value when you are calculating per square metre rates and using these rates to help appraise a property. It’s important when finding the area of the property that you cross-reference the figure across multiple publications. This ensures consistency and if there are inconsistencies work out why that may be.
Alexander Gibson
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