Have the house inspected by a professional / expert?

You just must not forget that you have no claim to a reduction of the purchase price; the seller alone sets it. If she doesn't like your offer, no matter how much the appraisal supports your position, she will always decide based on her own needs.

Hey ho,

I haven’t considered this aspect until now :rolleyes:
Of course, the seller can stick to her price, even though - according to the expert - renovation work amounting to XX is pending.
Either we accept the sale price or - in the best case IF defects should occur - we can negotiate the purchase price down.

Now let’s look at it from another perspective.
What if the expert states that the property is worth 150,000€ instead of the assumed 100,000€?
Do you think (yes… it’s a private chat, you’re right :p) she will adjust the price?

I don’t think that’s realistic, but the thought shouldn’t be dismissed.

Now the question arises whether it really makes sense for the current owner to be present during the expert’s inspection.
Certainly, questions that arise can be clarified more quickly by the expert, and the seller gets an initial impression of the actual condition of the property.
On the other hand, I could imagine that in a private conversation with the expert, I could pick up tips and tricks to be able to negotiate the price down.
I have an expert on hand who happens to be a client of ours.
That doesn’t give me any advantage regarding the incurred expert costs, but access to him is already paved.
I just believe he talks to me differently about the property as a buyer compared to an inspection with the seller present.

And let’s be honest… every euro counts and I want to get the best price for the house ;)
Of course, without a bad conscience afterwards.

Best regards
SaTo12

Here is an update,

the first conversation with the landlady went extremely well. We were able to clarify initial matters and informed her that we want to involve an expert. She thought that was very good.

Now the question still arises whether she should be present during the expert’s evaluation/inspection. See post above :confused:

I think the expert is conscious of the client to such an extent that he will not discuss prices in front of her. He can certainly point out the defects to her.

The expert should then be a publicly appointed and sworn expert for damages to buildings if he is to prepare a written report for you on the condition and possible building defects, for which he may be liable. Since the expert can only assess the property by visual inspection, he of course cannot assume liability for further statements. More detailed substance investigations are not possible before purchase, as the property does not belong to you. Apart from that, such detailed building diagnostic investigations require an effort that of course must be reasonably paid for.

In my purchase consultations, I evaluate the property on site during a 3-hour appointment based on these visual criteria, which, with some experience, are sufficient to assess the property according to its condition and building age category and to provide a purchase recommendation or an initial approximate cost estimate for renovation. More cannot be accomplished within such an appointment—and for a fee of €300-400. The written elaboration of the property inspection takes about 4-8 hours and is estimated by me at €360-720.

The valuation of such a property according to a shortened cost value method can be carried out if sufficient information about the property is available. A complete property valuation will—depending on the object value—amount to at least €800-1200.

To set Min-Max demands here: wanting to pay as low a fee as possible but demanding a maximum of services with liability claims is more than unrealistic. For good and well-founded advice, one must pay a good price.

Considering the amounts allocated for purchase, renovation, or conversion, the discussion about a fee of a few hundred euros for advice that provides crucial information for the property purchase is ridiculous.

In my purchase consultations, I evaluate the property during a 3-hour on-site appointment according to these visual criteria, which, with some experience, are sufficient to assess the property based on its condition and construction age category and to provide a purchase recommendation or an initial rough cost framework for the renovation. More cannot be done within the scope of such an appointment - and for a fee of € 300 - 400 - ,

Actually, I don’t expect more from the expert. If he points out the above-mentioned aspects to me and explains what will probably need to be renovated in the coming years or where the critical points lie, I am completely satisfied.

Thank you for your detailed response and the insight into a perspective. I found it very interesting.

Hello,

Let's now look at the whole thing from a different perspective.
What if the expert states that the property is worth €150,000 instead of the assumed €100,000?
Do you think (yes... a private chat, you're right :p) she will adjust the price?

Example from my job: there are land sellers who – considering the depleted market and current interest rate policy – believe they can sell their land far above its value. Some can be reasoned with, others remain stubborn. One thing they have in common is that it's only a matter of time until the “one” buyer comes along ;)

Now the question arises whether it really makes sense for the current owner to be present during the expert’s inspection.

No one can answer questions about the property better than she can!

On the other hand, I could imagine that in a private conversation with the expert, I could pick up tips and tricks to be able to push the price down.

Musketier gave you the right answer here. Why should he be forthcoming with the seller if you are his client?

I just think he talks to me differently about the property as a buyer compared to an inspection with the seller.

Of course. After the inspection and in a private one-on-one conversation ;)

The first conversation with the landlady went extremely well. We were able to clarify initial things and told her that we want to bring an expert on board.
She thought that was very good.

See; lots of worries beforehand for nothing :D

Best regards from the Rhineland