What*not* to look for in property
So often we hear clients start their search, picking apart property with a fine tooth comb.. But unfortunately property is imperfect. Property needs money spent on it and they simply wont tick all your boxes.
Its very common for clients to come to us exhausted and overwhelmed with their spreadsheets and lists of property must-haves. We’d like to think we are magicians and property developers, but we’re not. We can't build our clients' dream home, we can merely work out what is non-negotiable and what's negotiable. Typically, this is determined by what can be changed and what can't. The orientation can’t be changed, the location, property style, access to amenities and transport, can’t be changed. These are the things to look for and focus on.
Here are the things to move on from… Don’t look at the door knobs, storage, heating /cooling, lack of decking, ugly carpet, purple kitchen cabinetry and the burnt orange feature wall.
We understand these factors turn people off property, but they shouldn’t. These can all be changed and updated to your personal taste.
No air con? A reverse cycle system costs around $2-3k
Dark hallway? A skylight is around $1k, installed
Ugly fluorescent lighting? Downlights cost under $100 per downlight, installed
Hideous bathroom tiles? Spray paint them for a cheap and easy makeover
Daggy wooden cabinets? Paint them! And update with some modern cabinetry pulls.
No storage? There is a storage solution for literally every space. Stack flat pack cabinets on top of each other for a cheap floor to ceiling cabinetry. Or go custom to maximise tight/odd shaped spaces.
Bedroom size. Make sure you check the bedroom size on the floorplan or take a tape measure to the inspection. Perfectly styled ‘double beds’ give the illusion of a full sized bedroom when in reality the hire companies use specifically designed small beds. You may not be able to fit your queen bed!
We often find the reason clients come to us with these ‘wish-list’ items is because their current home lacks that particular thing.. Ie ample kitchen bench space. But it is important for buyers to think - can this be changed? If it can, it shouldn't be a deal breaker!
Hope that's helpful.
Tabitha
