How to effectively prepare for a viewing

In the current housing market, a viewing is more than just walking around the house to see if your sofa fits in the living room. It is a crucial selection moment where you present yourself as the ideal candidate. Because landlords can often choose from dozens of interested parties, good preparation is half the work to actually get the home.

The purpose of a viewing is twofold: you want to check that the home meets your requirements and has no hidden defects, and the landlord wants to assess whether you are trustworthy. By working in a structured way, you avoid overlooking important details due to the broker's enthusiasm or time pressure.

Make sure your file is already ready

The most important tip for effective preparation is speed. In popular cities, homes are often vacated immediately after the first round of viewings. If you only have to gather your payslips and employer statement after the viewing, you are usually too late.

Make sure you have a ready-to-use digital folder with all the necessary documents. If you like the house, you can still confirm your official interest on the return trip on the train and send your file. This shows that you are organized and are serious about your work. Optionally, bring a physical folder to the viewing; sometimes a private landlord likes to have something tangible in their hands right away.

‍

Take a critical look during the round

During the viewing, it is easy to be seduced by beautiful light or a sleek kitchen. However, you should pay attention to the technical and practical issues that will influence your daily living experience.

Check the basic services

Just turn on a tap to check the water pressure and see if the hot water gets going quickly. In the bathroom and kitchen, check the condition of the sealant edges and look at the ceilings for any traces of old leaks or mold. It's also smart to check the range in the home on your phone; in some well-insulated new-build buildings, the mobile signal sometimes drops out.

Isolation and noise

Ask for the energy label and the condition of the glazing. Double glazing is now the standard, but HR++ makes a big difference in your monthly heating costs. Also, listen carefully to the ambient sound. Do you hear the neighbors talking or going up the stairs? If the house is located on a busy road, it is wise to test how much noise the windows block when they are closed.

‍

Asking the right questions

A viewing is the time to collect information that wasn't in the ad. By asking the right questions, you also show that you know what you're talking about.

• What is the reason for the previous tenant's departure? This can tell you a lot about the neighborhood or possible defects in the home.
• Which items are being offered for takeover? Sometimes the departing tenant wants to leave the floor, curtains or white goods behind for a fee. It is good to have immediate clarity about this.
• How is the contact with the neighbours? This is a safe way to check whether there is a quiet living environment or whether there are many students or young families living in the building.
• Are there plans to maintain the building? If there will be a scaffold in front of your window for painting soon, you would prefer to know in advance.

The psychology of the first impression

Don't forget that the landlord or broker is also looking at you. You don't have to appear in a three-piece suit, but a neat and polite impression works wonders. Be on time, be enthusiastic but also businesslike, and show respect for the current resident if they are still in the home.

In an overheated market, a favor factor can be decisive. If the landlord has to choose between two candidates with an identical income, the choice will fall on the person who seemed most reliable and pleasant during the viewing. A short chat about your work or your plans with the interior can help leave a positive impression.

After the viewing: The follow-up

Do you have a good feeling about the home? Don't wait until the next day, send a short and powerful email thanking you for the viewing and confirming that you'd like to rent the property. Add your complete file (even if you've done this before) and emphasize again as soon as you can withdraw. Speed and comprehensiveness are your greatest friends here.

‍