How house viewings feel for first-time buyers
Let us assume you secure a viewing. You feel as though you have done the hard part. You have searched, spent hours on Funda, and waited for the seller's agent to confirm your slot. But when you arrive, you realize you are unprepared. This leads to rushed decisions and financial losses if you make a mistake.
You might feel that:
- You don't have anything to compare it to. Most properties come with a compromise. Are you willing to forgo an extra bedroom if it means you are nearer the city center? Is outside space a must, or would you be OK with a nearby park? Unless you have seen a few places with different pros and cons, it is hard to decide.
- It feels different to what you expected. Photos and floorplans give a feel for a place, but they do not show hidden problems, like a garden that is overlooked or a shabby communal stairwell. They also do not tell you anything about the neighborhood.
- You have no idea if the property is worth the asking price. Many people view a property with a vague idea of what that price tag should offer. If it feels disappointing, is that because it is overpriced, or because your expectations are high?
How to prepare for house viewings in the Netherlands
Before you attend your first viewing, get prepared. When you enter knowing what to look for and what your budget is, you can ask the right questions and decide quickly. Remember, if you like the property, you must move fast with a bid, so do not skip this.
Get clear on your budget before you view
It is important to know your budget before you view.
You should know:
- What your total budget is, including all extra costs.
- How much extra costs are likely to be. This includes notary, mortgage advisor, buyer's agent, building inspection, and valuation fees.
- Whether you need to pay the 2% transfer tax. You are exempt if you are a first-timer buying a property under €555,000.
- What your maximum bid is. You are likely to need to bid around 5% over the asking price.
- What your maximum mortgage is. See a mortgage advisor rather than relying on online calculators.
- What your maximum deposit is. Fees, taxes, and overbids must be paid from savings. These cannot be added to the mortgage.
Understand the difference between asking price and real market value
The asking price is a guide. You will nearly always need to bid more to win the property. Before the viewing, check recent local sold prices for similar homes.
When you are at the viewing, note the property's condition, as that affects the value. Some sellers may not have accounted for expensive repairs. Make sure you know the energy label, as you will pay more for those with a higher rating.
With Roofmatch, there is no guessing. We use 12,000 data points to pinpoint the most likely winning bid.
Know what to look for
Make a list of important items before you go, and take note of them. This clarifies your must-haves and what you can compromise on.
Consider:
- The kitchen and bathroom. Especially if you do not want the expense of changing them.
- Decor and flooring. Easier to change than a kitchen, but still a hassle.
- The layout. Two bedrooms on different floors might be ideal if you want an office, but less so if you have a baby.
- Room sizes. Think about where your furniture goes. If a large sofa or king-sized bed are non-negotiable, check the space.
- Light and orientation. If most rooms are north-facing, will the lack of light in winter bother you? Or would it be a benefit on hot summer days?
- Maintenance. Not just obvious repairs, but ongoing needs. Older properties often need more work.
- The local area. Are you willing to be further from the city center for more space? Or is being somewhere lively more important than an extra bedroom?
How being prepared + being quick is the winning formula
Going into viewings sure of your financial limits and must-haves means you will feel prepared to bid quickly. But your preparation won't count for much if you cannot get a viewing.
Roofmatch can help with both. Our search bots find pre-Funda and off-market homes, sending instant alerts whenever we find a match. This ensures you are first in the queue to book a viewing. Our experienced buyer's agents advise throughout the process, including helping you determine your budget and likely winning bid.