Buying a second-hand apartment needs to check these 7 things to make sure you get the right living space for your money.
Many people prefer to buy a resold apartment rather than a new one because there is no waiting time. In addition to being able to move in immediately, resale apartments are also often in major districts, all convenience stores and services are already nearby. However, keep in mind that an apartment that has been lived in before will have disadvantages that you may not be aware of. Check it out closely for immediate detection.
1. Travel time to public transport locations
It is often said that this apartment is “just three minutes” from the nearest metro station or shopping mall. But keep in mind that such estimates are often exaggerated and you shouldn't count on what they say.
Distance and speed vary depending on who is walking. That might be a brisk three-minute walk for a 25-year-old athlete, but not for the 60-year-old parent who is with you. It's best to check these out for yourself, by taking a stroll to the service areas they mention.
2. Bring a compass (or use a compass app)
Check that the device (main window) is not facing directly East or West. If yes, then your house will be hotter than other directions. The sun will shine directly from about 12pm onwards and you will have to spend more money on fans or air conditioners.
Some home sellers will fabricate the truth, for example by telling you that the house is facing "Northwest", when in fact it is only West.
3. Check the water heater
If the home you're interested in has a storage water heater (the tank type), you'll need to check it to see if it's working properly. Let the faucet run for a while, with the hot water tank. Does the heater work, or does it work poorly (e.g. after three minutes there is nothing but slight warmth)? If the water heater is not working properly, be aware that it will be very expensive to replace and remove.
Another way to check is to touch the wall in front of the water heater. If it works, the area will warm up after you leave it on for a while.
4. Check the wall for any unusual patterns
One warning sign that you definitely want to check is the presence of graffiti left behind by lenders. If the apartment has been targeted by lenders, the seller will have to clean up the tracks before you come to view it.
Think about it, if the landlord is in financial difficulty and you buy the right home that the lender is targeting. Your later life may be in trouble.
5. Choose to view the apartment at an unusual time
The seller will choose the optimal time for you to view the apartment. But keep in mind that certain hours, such as 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., do not reflect "real" conditions. Most people work during those hours so naturally the apartment will be quiet. But you need to drop by the area at 7pm, to know how noisy the place really is. Once people go back to work, the atmosphere will reflect reality.
You also need to be concerned about noise pollution from traffic or subway lines. Some apartments are located near the main road. Noise pollution can be higher during peak hours, or even late at night.
6. Check out the public utilities
Check to see if the main amenities in the area are relevant to you and your family. The presence of a nearby shopping mall will drive up apartment prices, but how often do you go to the retail stores and eateries in that mall?
If you rarely go there, entering the mall may not be worth the money (in fact, it can give you noise pollution on weekends). Likewise, it doesn't help that there are many eateries nearby, if they all sell food that doesn't suit your budget or diet.
7. Check for sagging doors
A common problem with older apartments is sagging doors. This is because the hinges loosen over time, making it difficult for the door to close or open. Door replacement is expensive, so this should be factored into your cost decision. Close and open each door completely to make sure they don't sag, and also to check that the locking mechanism is working.
