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How to choose a property to buy or rent and what to consider to avoid problems - Infobae
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www.infobae.com
January 30, 2025
What aspects to review before confirming the operation and move, how to avoid structural problems and what to ask the real estate agency to make an informed decision
By Jose Luis Cieri
Evaluating every detail before buying or renting helps to avoid surprises and make a good decision (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Choosing a property , whether for purchase or rental, requires evaluating multiple factors to avoid unexpected costs and structural problems . Below are the most common mistakes and recommendations for making the best decision.
Expenses increased by 166.69% in 2024, exceeding inflation . Since the DNU that repealed the Rental Law came into force, the scope of expenses included in the contracts has been expanded.
Lo Valvo added: “The ideal thing is to define in the contract who must pay ordinary and extraordinary expenses , amenities if the building has them, as well as the costs of repairs, to guarantee a balanced contractual relationship between owners and tenants.”
Additionally, carrying out repairs while the property is being occupied can cause delays and complications. It is advisable to consult with a specialist before purchasing to estimate real costs and anticipate additional expenses.
Germán Santaella , a civil engineer and specialist in building construction, warned: “When inspecting a property, hidden problems always appear that can make the renovation more expensive. It is key to carry out a detailed analysis before closing the purchase.” He also recommended carrying out a technical inspection with a professional to detect structural defects , evaluate the quality of the materials and verify the age of the construction.
Once the price has been agreed upon, the real estate commission, which is usually around 5% , can be negotiated in order to reduce it by at least one point.
It is also recommended to inquire about additional costs , such as deed fees and transfer taxes (which are now decisive when taking out a mortgage loan ), which can influence the final amount of the transaction.
“It is advisable to check the costs, access times and security level of the area, since parking restrictions tend to increase over time,” said Santaella.
The feasibility of renting a garage nearby should also be evaluated, considering monthly costs, availability and safety conditions.
Checking the availability of garages or nearby parking lots is key in high-demand neighborhoods, where finding a space can be a challenge (Illustrative Image Infobae)
If you plan to buy in an area with limited parking options, it is advisable to visit the area at different times to verify the actual difficulty in finding a free space.
It is also important to check ceilings and walls for signs of moisture or condensation. “In rentals, it is usually agreed between the parties that the tenant repairs a pipe or tap before moving in, and this expense is deducted from the first payments at the start of the contract,” said Lo Valvo.
In winter, upper floors can be colder if they are not well insulated , while in summer they can retain more heat. It is advisable to inquire about the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, as well as the quality of the windows to minimise temperature loss.
Noise from neighbours is a common problem in low-quality buildings. Santaella advised: “To assess insulation, it is recommended to visit the property at different times and, if possible, have someone walk on the upper floor while checking the noise level. Thin slabs and cement floors often amplify sound.”
Checking the condition of the roof before buying or renting helps prevent leaks and future unforeseen expenses (Illustrative Image Infobae)
It is also important to evaluate the thickness of the walls and the quality of the windows.
Older buildings tend to have better insulation due to their materials, while newer buildings may have thinner partitions. Checking the materials helps to anticipate noise problems.
It is advisable to consult in advance to avoid unforeseen events during the operation. Moving expenses, possible necessary improvements and long-term maintenance costs should also be considered. “The orientation, the age of the house and the projection of the neighborhood are key factors when deciding. In addition, reviewing the property documentation is essential to avoid future problems,” concluded Lo Valvo.
www.buysellba.com
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Cómo elegir una propiedad para comprar o alquilar y qué tener en cuenta para evitar problemas
Qué aspectos revisar antes de confirmar la operación y mudanza, cómo eludir problemas estructurales y qué preguntar en la inmobiliaria para tomar una decisión informada
www.infobae.com
January 30, 2025
What aspects to review before confirming the operation and move, how to avoid structural problems and what to ask the real estate agency to make an informed decision
By Jose Luis Cieri
Evaluating every detail before buying or renting helps to avoid surprises and make a good decision (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Choosing a property , whether for purchase or rental, requires evaluating multiple factors to avoid unexpected costs and structural problems . Below are the most common mistakes and recommendations for making the best decision.
Define budget and location
The first step is to establish the available budget, as this will determine the accessible areas. It is recommended to define the area according to work, education, social life and access to transportation . “It is also important to consider the taxes and expenses of each neighborhood, which can represent a significant cost in the monthly budget,” Mariano Lo Valvo , a Real Estate expert, told Infobae.Expenses increased by 166.69% in 2024, exceeding inflation . Since the DNU that repealed the Rental Law came into force, the scope of expenses included in the contracts has been expanded.
Lo Valvo added: “The ideal thing is to define in the contract who must pay ordinary and extraordinary expenses , amenities if the building has them, as well as the costs of repairs, to guarantee a balanced contractual relationship between owners and tenants.”
Arrangements and reforms
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the costs and time of renovation . Several structural problems, such as leaks, corroded pipes or poor wiring, are not visible to the naked eye.Additionally, carrying out repairs while the property is being occupied can cause delays and complications. It is advisable to consult with a specialist before purchasing to estimate real costs and anticipate additional expenses.
Germán Santaella , a civil engineer and specialist in building construction, warned: “When inspecting a property, hidden problems always appear that can make the renovation more expensive. It is key to carry out a detailed analysis before closing the purchase.” He also recommended carrying out a technical inspection with a professional to detect structural defects , evaluate the quality of the materials and verify the age of the construction.
Price negotiation and real estate commission
Properties are often listed at higher prices than sellers expect , so negotiation is always a must. The first offer should be below the listed value and then adjusted based on the counteroffer.Once the price has been agreed upon, the real estate commission, which is usually around 5% , can be negotiated in order to reduce it by at least one point.
It is also recommended to inquire about additional costs , such as deed fees and transfer taxes (which are now decisive when taking out a mortgage loan ), which can influence the final amount of the transaction.
Parking lot
In high-demand neighborhoods, parking can be a problem . Before buying or renting, it is essential to check whether the property includes a garage or evaluate the availability of garages nearby.“It is advisable to check the costs, access times and security level of the area, since parking restrictions tend to increase over time,” said Santaella.
The feasibility of renting a garage nearby should also be evaluated, considering monthly costs, availability and safety conditions.
Checking the availability of garages or nearby parking lots is key in high-demand neighborhoods, where finding a space can be a challenge (Illustrative Image Infobae)
If you plan to buy in an area with limited parking options, it is advisable to visit the area at different times to verify the actual difficulty in finding a free space.
High floors
Upper floors often offer better lighting and ventilation, but can also have low water pressure and leaks. When visiting the property, all taps should be turned on to check pressure and confirm that the reserve tank is at an adequate height. Santaella added: “If the pressure is low, a pressure booster pump should be checked.”It is also important to check ceilings and walls for signs of moisture or condensation. “In rentals, it is usually agreed between the parties that the tenant repairs a pipe or tap before moving in, and this expense is deducted from the first payments at the start of the contract,” said Lo Valvo.
In winter, upper floors can be colder if they are not well insulated , while in summer they can retain more heat. It is advisable to inquire about the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, as well as the quality of the windows to minimise temperature loss.
Acoustic insulation and construction quality
Noise from neighbours is a common problem in low-quality buildings. Santaella advised: “To assess insulation, it is recommended to visit the property at different times and, if possible, have someone walk on the upper floor while checking the noise level. Thin slabs and cement floors often amplify sound.”
Checking the condition of the roof before buying or renting helps prevent leaks and future unforeseen expenses (Illustrative Image Infobae)
It is also important to evaluate the thickness of the walls and the quality of the windows.
Older buildings tend to have better insulation due to their materials, while newer buildings may have thinner partitions. Checking the materials helps to anticipate noise problems.
Additional costs
In addition to the price of the property, the notary's fees must be taken into account, which can vary between 1% and 3% of the value of the property being sold .It is advisable to consult in advance to avoid unforeseen events during the operation. Moving expenses, possible necessary improvements and long-term maintenance costs should also be considered. “The orientation, the age of the house and the projection of the neighborhood are key factors when deciding. In addition, reviewing the property documentation is essential to avoid future problems,” concluded Lo Valvo.
www.buysellba.com
