How and where to look for property

Buying a flat, house or plot can be an overwhelming task for many buyers. To overcome fear and uncertainty, you need to know a few rules and know how to begin the search for a lucrative property. As a buyer who wants to make a responsible investment such as buying a property, think about the method of purchase. Prepare financially (a cash purchase, or agree the loan terms with the bank), so that, if necessary, you can sign a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna) with the seller in the form of a notarial deed (akt notarialny) without any obstacles.

Remember that finding the property you are interested in may take much longer than you think; "hunt" for bargains. Do not make decisions hastily; weigh up all the pros and cons. Your house or flat must meet all the conditions you have set, including location, interior specification, technical condition and so on.

Monitor the market yourself and check new property sale adverts. If you have neither the time nor the experience, get help from a professional estate agent, who will efficiently find a real bargain for you. Remember, attractive listings disappear very quickly. An affordable price, excellent fittings, an attractive location, a superb standard – these are among the factors so desired by potential buyers. A lower price may conceal structural defects, but also shortcomings which a specialist can spot quickly. In all your activities aimed at buying a property, you should be vigilant and prudent, but also decisive and persistent. Competition on the property market is the norm, and a successful purchase depends solely on your quick reaction.

There are many ways to find your dream property. You can act on your own or enlist the help of experts.

READ ALSO – 6 TIPS ON HOW TO LOOK FOR A FLAT TO RENT

Where is the best place to look for attractive property listings?

The internet – more than 80% of buyers begin their search by browsing the internet. Searching online offers many conveniences, is easy to use and has a rich database of adverts. Without leaving home you can analyse interesting listings, narrowing down your search by criteria such as location, floor area and type of property. Thanks to technological solutions, you will see listing descriptions and an extensive photo gallery. You may also come across a form of visualisation, that is, a virtual video tour (360 degrees), which is already an extremely popular method of attracting buyers abroad.

Magazines, newspapers, adverts placed on boards or posts – are an equally popular but, unfortunately, rather old-fashioned medium of information. Just remember that such adverts quickly become out of date or are terse and often inaccurate.

Help from friends and family – may turn out to be a turning point in the search, but before making a decision be sure to consult an expert.

Help from an estate agency – REMAX offers property searches tailored to buyers' requirements. Get help from a proven and reliable estate agency in Katowice with a long-standing international tradition and credibility backed by positive client reviews. Nothing can replace personal contact with a professional who will help you find your dream property, check the investment carefully, support you in negotiations and in sorting out the legal status of the property, and carry out a safe purchase transaction. The agent will provide you with invaluable help, and you will gain an advantage over other buyers.

When should you seek the advice of an estate agent?

You want to acquire a property at a bailiff's auction. Contrary to appearances and the common reluctance towards this type of purchase, you can come across a real bargain at a low starting price (when a property has been put up for auction several times). Such a property is free of mortgage encumbrances.

You want to become the owner of a property put up for sale by the state, for example in an economic zone, under a government programme or with municipal relief on local taxes.

You have doubts about the legal structure of the property you have found, its condition and its valuation.

You are going to view a property that interests you. The agent will support you in negotiations and draw attention to any inaccuracies. Remember, do not take risks on your own.

You do not know how to find a property, or you simply do not have time for this kind of activity.

Use the tips above and find the best properties for sale!