There are two ways when purchasing a property. Either by searching online/newspaper and arrange to view the properties on your own or engaging a real estate professional to do the sourcing/screening and accompany you for the viewings.

The OWN approach (PROS)

  • Saves time
  • Less hassle

The OWN approach (CONS)

  • Do not know what important questions to ask or what to look out for/take note of (inexperienced buyers).
  • Do not know the criteria when searching for investment properties versus properties for own accommodation.
  • Do not have neutral feedback from an experienced real estate professional who will bring valuable opinions and thoughts to the purchase.
  • Purchasing a home/property is very often an emotional decision. Thus, one could be influenced by the sales pitch and ended up buying something that is not suitable for stay or investment.

Engaging a Professional Real Estate Agent
Get a real estate professional to assist you in your search. He will help you to prevent most of the problems faced by the OWN approach method. Usually for private property, the buyer does not have to pay any commission to the real estate professional who is representing him unless the price of the property is low. Therefore, as a buyer, why not make full use of this value added services since it’s free?