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Resale Viewing Do’s and Don’ts: Expert Advice from a Singapore Real Estate Agent

Posted by Jayson Ang on December 19, 2022

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TLDR

The blog post provides valuable insights for first-time buyers on navigating the resale property market in Singapore. It covers essential steps like preparing a checklist, conducting thorough research, scheduling viewings, asking the right questions, exploring the property, doing due diligence, making an offer, and closing the sale. The post also emphasizes the importance of working with a reliable real estate agent and offers expert tips to help buyers make informed decisions during the property buying process.

Are you in the process of viewing resale properties in Singapore and unsure of what to do and what to avoid? Look no further! In this article, I will be sharing valuable insights and advice from a seasoned real estate agent in Singapore on how to make the most of your resale property viewing experience.

No matter if you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned property investor, a resale viewing of a property in Singapore is an essential part of the home buying process.

To help you make the most of it, here are some expert tips on navigating the resale property market in Singapore: from preparing a checklist of key questions to ask to understanding the importance of a thorough home inspection, I’ve got you covered!

Doing some research on the property and the area before visiting it can be beneficial in understanding the property’s value and assessing if it meets your needs. Here are a few ideas to explore prior to your inspection: research the property, check out the surrounding area, and look into the property’s value.

Check out the property listing to get an insight into the property’s features, size, and location. Don’t forget to peruse any photos or videos available to get a clearer idea of the property’s condition.
Take the time to investigate the surrounding neighborhood of the property. Consider the local schools, transportation options, and any nearby amenities. Additionally, compare the value of the property to similar properties in the area to gain an accurate gauge of its value.
Explore the state of the local real estate market! Are prices in your area rising or dropping? How quickly do properties usually sell in the neighbourhood? Gathering this data can help you to assess the value of the property and if it’s a sensible investment.
When viewing a property, bear in mind your individual needs and wishes; contemplate if the property is suitable to you by reflecting on its size, the amount of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any distinctive features or amenities that you desire.
Seeking the expertise of a real estate agent can be a smart move when you’re looking to purchase a property. They can help you gather pertinent details about the property and the local market. Moreover, they may provide you with added info on the property and the neighbourhood, as well as offer their professional opinion on the property’s worth.

Schedule A Viewing : Once You Have Identified A Property That You Are Interested In, You Should Contact The Seller Or Their Agent To Schedule A Viewing. It’s A Good Idea To Schedule The Viewing At A Time That Is Convenient For Both You And The Seller.

To schedule a viewing of a property in Singapore, you can follow these steps:

Contact the seller or their agent: Once you have identified a property that you are interested in, you should contact the seller or their agent to request a viewing. You can do this by phone, email, or through the real estate agency handling the sale of the property.
Discuss viewing availability: Once you have made contact with the seller or their agent, you should discuss viewing availability. You should let them know when you would like to view the property and ask if that time is convenient for them. It’s a good idea to schedule the viewing at a time that is convenient for both you and the seller. A Golden Tip is to arrange the viewing during the hottest time of the day so that you can have a sense of how the unit will feels like during this time
Confirm the viewing details: Once you have agreed on a time for the viewing, make sure to confirm the details. This should include the date, time, and location of the viewing, as well as any other information you need to know (such as how to access the property).
Arrange transportation: Consider how you will get to the viewing. If you are driving, make sure you know how to get to the property. If you are relying on public transportation, check the schedule ahead of time to ensure you will arrive on time.
Prepare for the viewing: Before the viewing, you may also want to bring a notepad and pen to take notes during the viewing.

Prepare A List Of Questions : Before You Visit The Property, It’s A Good Idea To Prepare A List Of Questions That You Would Like To Ask The Seller Or Their Agent. This Could Include Questions About The Property’s Condition, Any Renovations Or Updates That Have Been Made, And The Seller’s Motivation For Selling.

Asking the right questions during a resale viewing can help you get a better understanding of the property and whether it meets your needs. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

What is the property’s condition? You may want to ask about the property’s overall condition, as well as the condition of specific features such as the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Have any renovations or updates been made to the property? If the property has been renovated or updated, you may want to ask about the work that was done and when it was completed, or conduct furthers check if the works are approved by authorities.
What is the seller’s motivation for selling? Knowing the seller’s motivation for selling can give you insight into their willingness to negotiate on price.
Are there any issues with the property that the seller is aware of? It’s important to know about any issues with the property, such as structural problems or issues with the plumbing or electrical systems.
Are there any plans for development in the area? If there are plans for development in the area, it could affect the value of the property in the future.
Have there been any problems with the property in the past? It’s a good idea to ask about any past problems with the property, such as water damage or pest infestations.
Are there any restrictions on the property, such as zoning laws? Knowing about any restrictions on the property can help you understand what you can and cannot do with the property.

Take a deep dive: When exploring the property, take your time to really look around and check it out. Make sure to observe the general condition of the place and any features or bonuses that might interest you.

Explore the property thoroughly during a resale viewing to ensure it meets your needs; here are some ways to make the most of your tour:

Conduct a thorough examination of the property: Take a thorough survey of the entire condition of the property. Look at the walls, floors, and ceilings attentively, as well as the condition of any attachments or fixtures.
Take a closer look at the property’s features and amenities – from the size of the rooms, to the layout of the space, to the quality of the finishes – to see if they meet your requirements and expectations.
Be vigilant and inspect for any evidence of damage or wear and tear, such as water stains, cracks in the walls, or peeling paint.
Take note of the property’s whereabouts and its environment: Inspect the property’s location and the nearby surroundings. Is the property situated in an area that is sought after? Are there any recreational facilities or nearby transit opportunities?
Don’t be hesitant to put forward your inquiries! If there’s something regarding the property that you’re curious about, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the seller or their representative.

Do your due diligence: If you have any queries or apprehensions about the property, don’t hesitate to ask the seller or their representative. It’s a great chance to gain further insight into the property and eliminate any uncertainties you might have.

To get the full picture of a property when viewing it for a potential resale, it’s critical to ask questions and make sure any doubts are cleared up. Here are a few ideas of queries to consider:

Be sure to familiarize yourself with exactly what’s included in the sale of the property – this could mean appliances, fixtures, or any other items that are part of the property. Don’t miss out on any of the details – ask what’s included!
Do you know of any difficulties with the property that the seller is aware of? It’s critical to find out about any issues with the property, be it any structural problems or issues with the plumbing or electrical systems.
Do you want to know about the property’s past? Discover its age, if any renovations or updates have been done, and who owned it before by asking about the property’s history.
Do you know of any issues that have arisen concerning the property in the past? It’s prudent to find out if there have been any issues like water damage or pest infestations in the past.
Do you know of any zoning laws that might affect the property? It’s important to be aware of the restrictions in place so you can accurately plan what can and cannot be done with it.
Would you be aware of any limitations that could potentially be imposed on the property, such as zoning laws? It’s important to have an understanding of any restrictions that might be in place, as this can affect what you can and cannot do with the property.
Do upcoming plans for development in the area have the potential to boost or diminish the property value in the future?

Consider Making An Offer: If You Are Interested In The Property, You May Want To Consider Making An Offer To The Seller. Be Sure To Consider The Property’s Value And Market Conditions When Determining The Amount Of Your Offer.

If you are interested in a property that you are viewing and would like to make an offer, there are a few things you should consider:

Determine the property’s value: It’s important to have a good understanding of the property’s value before making an offer. You can research recent sale prices of similar properties in the area to get an idea of the property’s value. You can also consult with a real estate agent or appraiser to get a more accurate assessment of the property’s value.
Take market conditions into account: Consider the current state of the housing market in the area where the property is located. If the market is competitive, you may need to make a higher offer in order to secure the property. If the market is slow, you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
Determine your budget: Consider your budget and how much you can afford to offer for the property. Make sure to take into account any closing costs or other fees that may be associated with the purchase.
Consider any contingencies: If you are making an offer, you may want to include contingencies in the offer. For example, you may want to make the offer contingent on obtaining a mortgage or completing a home inspection or extension period for sell/buy timeline.
Make the offer: Once you have determined the amount of your offer and any contingencies, you can present the offer to the seller or their agent. You may be able to negotiate the terms of the offer, such as the price or closing date.
Review the contract: If the seller accepts your offer, you will typically be required to sign a Option to Purchase outlining the terms of the sale. Be sure to carefully review the OTP before signing it, paying special attention to any terms or conditions that are included.
Get a home inspection: If you have included a home inspection contingency in your offer, you will need to arrange for a home inspector to evaluate the property. This will help you identify any issues with the property that may need to be addressed.
Get a mortgage: If you are financing the purchase of the property, you will need to apply for a mortgage and get approval from a lender. This process can take some time, so it’s important to start early.
Close the sale: Once all the necessary terms and conditions have been satisfied and the OTP has been issued, there will be a 14 days period before the exercise date, where the sale of the property can be finalized. This typically involves paying the purchase price and any closing costs, and transferring ownership of the property to the buyer.
Move in: Once the sale is complete, you can start planning your move to the new property. This may involve arranging for the utilities to be transferred to your name, getting insurance, and making any necessary repairs or renovations.

If you’re in the market for buying or selling property in Singapore, working with a seasoned and reliable real estate agent is paramount.

With my deep understanding of the local market and sincere commitment to my clients, I’m confident I can be your perfect go-to resource for achieving your real estate goals.

Get in touch with me today and let’s chat about how I can help you take your property journey to the next level!