Just like shopping for a new car, a common pre-purchase ritual that most prospective homeowners go through is to visit a property showroom.
Yet, simply making the trip down to one and viewing it seldom yields all the information necessary for making a purchasing decision. The reason behind this is simple: showflats are unable to fully capture what life in an actual home is like. Nonetheless, by asking the correct questions and paying attention to the right details, you will be able to fill in the blanks and get a better idea of what a particular residence has to offer.
If you are intent on visiting a showflat or attending a viewing soon, here are 5 things that you should take note of.
1. Layout
Image credit: Seaside Residences
Regardless of the type of real estate that you intend to purchase, the layout of any home will vary according to its square footage as well as the positioning of its rooms. Consequently, this is an important characteristic that you should keep a look out for, as it has a bearing on the traffic flow of your (potential) new home. To ensure that there is no ambiguity or confusion in space-planning, remember to get an exact copy of the floor plan corresponding to your desired unit type when you visit a showroom.
2. Facilities and/or amenities
Image credit: The POIZ
When it comes to achieving a quality living experience, what matters is not just the inside of your home, but also what is outside of it. Both public facilities and/or amenities are important property characteristics to look out for because they can enhance the appeal or benefits of purchasing a particular piece of real estate. Check out the maps, dioramas and other showroom displays to know what retail, dining and recreational options are in the neighbourhood.
3. Interior fittings
Showflats may have room displays that reveal what the different areas in a home look like, but what you see might not be what you get. This can be due to the availability of other options for surface materials and/or room fittings, and for this reason it is advisable to inquire about the installations that will come with the final product. In the case of built-in appliances, remember to ask about their brand(s) and/or model(s) as you might want to check if they are the right fit for your needs.
4. Orientation
Image credit: Cairnhill Nine
The orientation of an unit is a critical feature that you should look into while house-hunting. As Singapore is located near to the equator, West-facing homes are often warmer in the afternoon compared to their counterparts that are orientated to the other cardinal directions. So unless you are fine with the extra heat, it is best to be sure about the positioning of your future house before committing to a purchase.
5. Price
Last but not least, always remember to ask about the price. If your desired home is on the high end of your budget, it might not be the correct choice for you. This is key as the long-term interest on a home loan will mean that you are eventually paying more than the transacted sum. Therefore, don’t bite, if the price is not right!
Do you have other essential house-hunting tips that you would like to share? Feel free to post them in comments section below!
