“Buyer Beware: Multiple Viewings Don’t Guarantee a Safe Purchase, as Buyers Can Still Fall Prey to Unscrupulous Sellers and Agents.”

Discover the 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home: Your Ultimate Guide for a Smart and Safe Purchase

1. Don’t Be Fooled by Sunny Days: Check the House During Rain or at Night

A house may appear bright and cheerful during the day, but problems can arise when it rains: flooding, leaky walls, and muddy access roads. Similarly, the true test of security and neighbor noise levels happens at night. Don’t be like those who only view the house on sunny days and end up disappointed after moving in.

2. Beware of the “Show Home” Effect and New Furniture Distractions

Some sellers or agents may give the property a quick makeover before putting it up for sale: a fresh coat of paint, temporary flooring, or clever furniture placement to hide flaws. Buyers are often attracted to the superficial appeal and forget to inspect core elements like electrical, plumbing, ceilings, and walls. Consequently, they move in only to discover a host of issues soon after.

3. Don’t Rely on Paperwork Alone: Measure the Actual Living Space

It’s a common mistake to trust the “area” information on paper blindly. The actual living space may be significantly smaller. Buyers often overlook bringing a measuring tape, resulting in a costly mistake of missing out on a few square meters – equivalent to hundreds of millions of dong.

4. Don’t Skip the Legal Due Diligence: Verify Before You Commit

In their eagerness, some buyers put down a deposit without thoroughly checking the legal aspects. Later, they discover that the property is mortgaged to a bank, or worse, it’s earmarked for development or is in a dispute. Relying solely on the “red book” without proper verification can lead to prolonged legal troubles.

5. Consider the Neighborhood: Don’t Get Too Caught Up in the House Itself

A beautiful house can lose its appeal if it’s located in an area with frequent traffic jams, lacking essential amenities like markets and schools, or lacking parking spaces. Buyers often forget to survey the surrounding area at different times of the day, leading to unexpected challenges in their daily lives after moving in.

6. Uncover the Hidden Costs: Be Aware of the Iceberg Effect

The purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. For apartments, there are service charges, parking fees, and maintenance funds to consider. For land and houses, renovation, upgrade, and utility connection costs can reach hundreds of millions of dong. Failing to account for these hidden costs can lead to budget shortfalls for unsuspecting families.

7. Verify, Verify, Verify: Don’t Take Everything at Face Value

The biggest mistake buyers make is solely relying on what agents or sellers tell them. Information about development plans, land prices in the area, and future infrastructure should be cross-referenced with authorities or long-term residents. Being too shy to ask questions can result in costly consequences.

Viewing a house multiple times doesn’t guarantee a wise purchase. It’s crucial to view it with a critical eye and be prepared. Buyers should create a checklist covering legal aspects, infrastructure, neighbors, living environment, and hidden costs to ensure nothing is missed.

A smart home purchase involves more than just a beautiful exterior. It encompasses legal stability, convenient infrastructure, and a pleasant long-term living experience. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make a more informed and secure decision when buying your dream home.