No, every era has or had its challenges. Knowing all the factors that make a sale easier and more secure is still helpful today.

Property viewing – what you should look out for beforehand
It's always exciting when an invitation to view a property arrives in the mail. After all, it could finally be the new home you've been waiting for. Despite all the excitement, don't dress up, stay relaxed, take a good look around, ask all the questions that come to mind, listen to your gut feeling, and prepare well! We'll explain what you, as a prospective buyer, can find out before a viewing.
Preparation: questions that can be answered in advance
Before you stand exhausted in the corner during the viewing, overwhelmed by information, you can take a look at the basic facts beforehand. For example, find out about the living space, the year of construction, the floor plan, and how big the property is from the property listing.
Also important: the location. A look on the internet will tell you about transport links, the nearest supermarket, or where you can find a doctor nearby. Or you can drive past the property. This will also give you a chance to take a peek at the neighbors, see if there are any sources of noise in the immediate vicinity, and estimate how far it is to your place of work. In addition to the photos in the listing, you can also get a good first impression of the property with a 360-degree tour. As a general rule, you should ask yourself whether the property fits your expectations and future plans and what compromises you would be willing to make. You should make a note of any other questions you have about the property and take them with you to the viewing with the real estate agent.
A look at the documents can also answer many questions in advance. If possible, take a look at the following: energy performance certificate, land register extract, cadastral map, building plans from the municipality, and a list of any contamination and encumbrances. The real estate agent can also explain in advance what exactly can be found there and why these documents are important.
During the viewing: What questions should I not ask?
In principle, you can ask anything about the property. This includes damage and defects, why and how long the property has been for sale, how many interested parties there are, what the neighborhood is like, and when the house was last renovated to improve energy efficiency. You should avoid questions about the previous owners' private lives or what they need the money you are paying for the property for. Otherwise, show interest, look in every corner, and ask the real estate agent lots of questions. If you like the property, be sure to ask for a second appointment and whether you can reserve the property.
Have we invited you to a viewing and would you like to know what to expect? Or are you looking for a property first? Ask us! We will be happy to advise you.
Note
For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine form is used in this text. Female and other gender identities are expressly included insofar as this is necessary for the statement.
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific case.
Photo: © AndreyPopov/Depositphotos.com