Finding Your "Forever Home": How Open Homes Can Lead You to the Perfect Property

For Brisbane homeowners, moving from your first home into your "forever home" is a big leap, and you're likely looking for something that ticks all the boxes – now and for the long haul. The open home process is a crucial step in finding the right property, and this article will help you make the most of it!
Open homes aren't just about finding a place to live; they're about finding a space that aligns with your vision of the future. You're not just buying a house; you're investing in a lifestyle, a community, and a foundation for your next chapter. This makes it imperative that you make the right choice.
Here is what you need to consider.
Pre-Viewing: Define Your Must-Haves
Before you step foot into an open home, have a clear picture of your needs and wants. Think about your family's future. Do you need extra space for kids or visiting family? What are your long-term goals for this home?
Make a list of must haves, nice to haves, and deal breakers so that you know what your priorities are.
At the Open Home: Look Beyond the Surface
Don't just look at the layout, focus on quality and longevity. Is the property structurally sound and are there any signs of water damage, cracking, or pest infestations?
Make sure that the property works with your current lifestyle but will also be suitable for your future. Will the home be suitable for your needs in 5, 10 or 20 years time?
Ask the Right Questions: Dive Deep
Don’t hesitate to grill the agent. What is the neighbourhood like and what are the future development plans? Are there any major infrastructure projects happening nearby that will cause disruptions? How have the previous owners enjoyed living in this property?
The more information that you can gather, the better, so be sure to spend the time doing so at the open home.
Post-Viewing: Reflect on Your Experience
After attending an open home, take some time to assess how you felt about the property. Did you feel at home? Did you like the surrounding neighbourhood?
What areas of the house may need to be improved and is this within your budget and timeframe? Is there potential for future growth and development if that is something that you are considering?
The Final Piece: A Thorough Building Inspection
Even if a house looks perfect, it’s essential to uncover any potential issues before you commit to purchasing the property. A qualified building inspector will highlight any issues that you can’t see yourself and help you make a fully informed decision. If you have the time, it is a good idea to attend the building inspection on the day so you can have another walk through while the inspector is there.
Your building inspector should provide a very detailed report about the property, with photos, and be happy to go through it with you. An experienced building inspector will pick up any major faults and you should be able to rely on the building inspection report to engage in price negotiations or, if necessary, to walk away from the purchase.
Ready to Find Your Forever Home?
We know how crucial this decision is for your family’s future. That’s why Action Property Inspections created the "Ultimate Guide to Visiting an Open Home", to help you assess properties with confidence and intention.
We wish you the best on your journey to finding the perfect property!