Evaluate the object correctly - the right strategy

Yes, that also just came to my mind now, whether any work is still pending or how the warranty situation looks. I think if there is a warranty (usually 5 years?) + a short report (going through an expert), you can then look at the whole package quite calmly? Theoretically, if I like it, I would first have to clarify the financing. Has anyone among you ever put down a bit of cash to emphasize seriousness? Financing certainly takes some time.

Has anyone of you also put down a bit of cash to underline the seriousness? Financing certainly takes some time.

What do you mean by that? Some kind of down payment or reservation fee? I would first come to an agreement with the buyer that they actually want to sell to me. If they are not completely naive, they should be aware that financing is involved and that it doesn't happen overnight. If they pressure you, something might be wrong. In theory, the financing doesn't have to be finalized by the notary appointment either.

Yes, I meant a kind of reservation fee. Well, I'll just wait for the appointments to come to me.

If he is not completely naive, he should be aware that financing is involved and that it does not happen overnight.

However, if the whole thing takes place in a hot market, as an interested party you should be aware that in case of doubt you are competing against rivals who bring a general financing confirmation (no idea what exactly it's called, basically a confirmation from the bank up to which amount they will finance if the property fits) to the first appointment and ignore a second appointment and immediately commit. One shouldn’t let this drive them crazy, but such people do exist…

If the whole thing takes place in a hot market, however, as an interested party you should be aware that you are likely competing against opponents who have a general financing confirmation (no idea what exactly it is called, basically a confirmation from the bank up to which amount they will finance if the property fits) with them at the first appointment and disregard a second appointment and immediately commit. You don't have to get crazy about it, but there are such people…

I can only agree with Kekse on this. Please remember that all commitments, reservation fees, etc. mean nothing. The only thing that counts are notarially certified agreements/contracts.

What would you pay attention to when inspecting new build houses (1-2 years old)? There can't be much wrong, unless structural defects

If someone sells after such a short time, I would pay very close attention to the reason for it. Most likely, divorce, financing issues, or relocation will be mentioned. I would observe carefully whether the behavior of those involved matches that. Not that rather overlooked construction defects are the reason. So be alert to excessive glossing over details by the realtor. Classic issues would be moisture, mold, subsidence. So eyes open in the basement and beams and whether spots have already been painted over / filled. Or the floor plan is practically unlivable