How to read a real estate ad
In order not to waste time on unnecessary visits, here are some tips for decoding real estate ads.
Why not say everything in real estate ads?
If the faults are exposed, of course, there will be fewer calls. It is important to understand that a real estate agent has every interest in having as many buyers as possible who call his agency. He can thus offer them other apartments or register them in his purchaser file. CQFD.
How to read a real estate ad: the shortcomings
Focus on what is not being said. Real estate agents often have the wrong instinct: not to advertise what might displease. They are not the only ones responsible. Homeowners, with whom real estate agents have signed a contract, push them into these useless practices. But if you can read between the lines you can avoid these pitfalls. It would be very surprising if the announcement of this apartment did not mention “exceptional view”
The neighborhood
In Paris when the neighborhood is not indicated, expect the address of the accommodation to be located in the least interesting part of the district.
Upstairs
One of the categories of criteria where there are omissions most often. The higher a floor is, the more the apartment increases in value. In particular, it will be quieter and clearer. You'll notice that many ads don't refer to the first floor. When this is the case, you can be certain that it is a ground floor or a 1st floor. The announcement of an apartment located on the 3rd floor or higher will mention this quality very clearly. The term “high floor” is very often deciphered as a 2nd floor.
Take a good look at the photos: you can easily find out in the views from the windows whether the apartment is on the ground floor or on the 1st floor. The bars on the windows of a kitchen often indicate a ground floor.
The lift
As for the first floor, if it is not mentioned: bad sign. Unless there was an inattention at the time of writing: if it is not indicated, most of the time, there is none.
Ceiling height
The lack of ceiling height is compensated by photos taken with low shots. When a photo is taken at the level of the seat of a sofa or close to the ground, study the difference in height between the ceiling and an element that has a standard height (chair, fireplace, kitchen host, bar...) this will give you an idea of the ceiling height.
How to read a real estate ad: general information
And more generally, all advantages such as unobstructed views, clarity, calm, shops nearby, etc... are always highlighted in an announcement. If they do not appear in the ad, more than 9 times out of 10 you will not find these qualities in the apartment.
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