04/07/2021

Here we will explain the general aspects to take into account, which will also help you to use our online comparison tool .

# 1: Location

This is where you have to keep your current lifestyle in mind.

For example, if you need to go to the office by public transport, make sure that the property is close to a metro or bus station. If you work from home, you may prefer a location near a park to go out and relax.

How to evaluate location? Give a higher score to the property closest to the point of interest.

# 2: Garage

If you have a vehicle, you definitely need a garage for practicality and safety.

How to evaluate a garage? If all the properties you are comparing have a garage, here we explain what aspects to take into account to give a higher or lower score when evaluating.

-Size: make sure your vehicle fits in the garage. Measure height, width and height and take into account the additional height you need when attaching a roof rack.

-It is covered or uncovered. If spotted in a storm zone, score low.

-Accessibility: is it easy to get to the garage? If it is in a building, it gives a higher score to that property with a garage near the elevators.

-Practicality: does it have a manual or automatic access gate? This applies to both practicality in everyday use as well as personal safety.

# 3: Price

Evaluate if the property is within the available budget.

How to evaluate the price? Think not only about the price but also about the necessary expenses:

-municipal taxes

-repairs needed

-monthly maintenance

-for the case of apartments, monthly expenses or HOA (home owners association)

-capacity of appreciation

-property useful life

# 4: Size

Whether in square meters or square feet, think about total size based on the number of rooms the property has. Think about the furniture you will move or the new one you will buy.

How to evaluate the size? Assign more value to the property that adjusts to the appropriate size. Faced with two similar properties, analyze how the surface is distributed. For example, if your square footage includes the balcony and the balcony is unnecessarily large, you may end up with a small usable interior floor area. Assign more value to the best balanced property.

# 5: Functionality / Adaptability

Beyond size, it is important that you think about your lifestyle. For example, do you like to have musical instruments like a piano in the living room? This will require more space. Do you like to cook behind closed doors or do you prefer a kitchen open to the living room? Do you use a semi-covered outdoor space, such as a balcony or porch?

How to evaluate functionality? Assign more value to the unit that best suits your lifestyle. Focus only on functionality, since a property may be smaller but fit your lifestyle much better.

# 6: Luminosity

Consider the size of the windows and the amount of light that enters the rooms. It is important that you visit the properties during the day and if possible, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Think about the path of the sun and whether you like to receive direct sunlight in the morning or in the afternoon.

How to evaluate functionality? Assign more value to the unit that best suits your lifestyle. Only if you do a lot of night work should you assign a low value to luminosity. Typically you will assign a higher value to the property with large windows, well lit, and ideally with uninterrupted open views.

# 7: General condicion

Consider the state of maintenance of the property. Roughly evaluate the costs of potential repairs. In the case of apartments or condos, analyze the general condition of the building since if it is not in good condition, it is possible that the monthly expenses will have to rise to cover the cost of the necessary repairs.

How to evaluate the general condition? Observe for yourself the condition of floors, walls and ceilings. Look for signs of moisture that may be hiding a hidden water leak. Observe the state of the taps and appliances. It gives a higher score to the property with less need for repair.

NOTE: if you still have doubts about the general condition, we recommend that you hire a TECHNICAL INSPECTION with a specialist. You can find one in your area by uploading your search profile to our online comparison tool .

We hope this article has been useful to you. Leave us your comments or questions and in the meantime we will continue to add our experience in architecture and real estate to our blogs.

Be sure to try our online comparison tool today!

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