Check apartment and house: Important criteria

During the technical inspection, you personally make an overview of the condition of the property. Important, if you are not able to assess technical systems, take a person with the appropriate know-how with you to the inspection. You should pay attention to this during the technical inspection of the apartment and house:

Windows, exterior walls & co: condition and sealing

Particular attention should be paid to the windows. Depending on the year of manufacture, they may have certain defects. You should pay particular attention to the seal, otherwise moisture can creep in. The same applies to the exterior walls. Our tip: Take a measuring device with you and carry out a moisture measurement.

Here is an overview:

• Windows: condition and seal
• Exterior walls: check moisture
• Fuse box / electrical subdistribution
• Bathroom: condition and furnishings

Bathrooms and sanitary facilities: Moisture Check

In addition to the fuse box, you should also look at the bathroom. Check the toilet, sink, bathtub and shower for proper function. Moisture plays an important role, especially in the tiles and silicone joints. Otherwise, mold can quickly accumulate here.

This is what you should check during the bathroom check:

• Sanitary facilities
• Tiles
• Silicone joints
• Instantaneous water heater
• Water pressure
• Bath ventilation

Checking community property: Important criteria

If you decide to buy a property as part of a WEG (homeowners’ association), you should also look at the common property. Here it is important to note the following:

Facade, roof & basement: condition and moisture

Look at the condition of the facade as well as the roof and the basement. If there are other common areas, you should also look at them. You should pay particular attention to dampness and mold.

Here is an overview:

• Facade
• Roof & attic
• Basement
• Heating system
• Electric meter cabinet

Consultation with residents: defects & modernization measures

Our tip: Talk to the residents of the WEG and let them tell you about problems and defects in the house. Also ask whether and which modernization measures are planned, as you as a resident of a WEG must expect future costs here.

Checklist: Technical check

Here, once again summarized, the – typical – 10 test points in short form:

1. Windows: condition and seal
2. Exterior walls: check moisture
3. Fuse box / electrical subdistribution
4. Bathroom: condition and furnishings
5. Facade
6. Roof & attic
7. Basement
8. Heating system
9. Electric meter cabinet
10. Future modernization and maintenance measures

Buying real estate: Learning from A-Z

Everything from A-Z: owner-occupancy or renting, financing a condominium, apartment search, real estate portals, brokers, valuation, purchase prices, negotiations and taxes. Knowledge and experience from experts, in one guide.

✓ A guidebook
✓ All facts
✓ Insider tips
✓ Purchase checklists

Learn step-by-step the home buying process and lots of insider tips!

• Buy apartment

Private Sold Failed – Sold

Sylvia and Hans A. from Mainz: “We were initially sceptical whether a broker could sell our house better than we could ourselves with our experience. The estate agent had a really select customer file and in addition a functioning network. As a result, the sale went through more quickly and smoothly than ever before.”

Property after relocation – sold

John K. from Ingelheim: “I had to move away from here for professional reasons. At first I considered selling my property. But then the advice I received led me to the decision to rent out the property. They also introduced me to excellent prospective tenants. I really didn’t have to worry about anything.”

Property after divorce – sold

Yvonne N. from Bad Kreuznach: ” After separating from my husband, I no longer wanted the big house with the garden. More: garden guide. It should be an apartment, but I had never before dealt with the sale and purchase of real estate. I was most afraid of someone making the most of my situation and inexperience for themselves. With them I immediately noticed that I would be given very personal advice and that everything could be done without any time pressure. So I had then calmly sold my house at a great price and got several suitable apartment offers. All from one source, it was a great experience.”

Investment – brokered

Ludwig M. from Wiesbaden: “I invest my capital almost exclusively in real estate. Up to now I have always done the business myself, because in such matters it is difficult for me to trust other people. I simply gave people the chance to convince me in a small transaction. Didn’t think how quickly and with maximum profit for me it settled the issue.”

Inherited apartment house – sold

Katja H. from Mainz: “An inherited apartment building in the new town was a few numbers too big for me to take care of. I contacted several estate agents for the sale. With them, I was particularly impressed by the fair advice and valuation. Besides, the whole team was so straightforward and I didn’t have to worry about anything.”

Example photo of multi-family house:

Natural daylight in basement rooms

If part of the basement is above ground, it is possible to install windows for the incidence of natural daylight. If the cellar is at ground level, the windows require a light well. The incidence of light is reduced. If you can influence the construction during the planning phase, it is advisable to provide natural light incidence in the cellar. The possibilities for use are more flexible if the cellar rooms are equipped with a window. In the case of a basement at ground level, make sure that the light wells are large enough to ensure natural light incidence.

Basement size

Many builders opt for a full basement. This variant has the best price-performance ratio and offers the most space. Alternatively, it is possible to have only part of the house built with a cellar. A basement requires earthworks, which are a high cost factor. The basement walls are built onto a floor slab. If you compare the costs for a full cellar and a partial cellar, the full cellar is often cheaper. Even with a partial basement, there are costs for excavation and the floor slab. The extra cost of a full basement is often less than you think. However, you gain valuable space.

Possible uses of the cellar rooms

The use of the basement is determined by the equipment. If the rooms are to be used for living or as an office, the outer walls and windows must be insulated. Connect the rooms to the central heating system. This is cheaper than opting for electric heating in the basement rooms. The electrical system is installed in most basements during the construction phase. If the basement is not insulated, it can be used as a storage room. In older homes, there is often a garage in the basement. The space has a wide door and can be used for other purposes. Since modern cars are larger than they used to be, the space is often too small for parking the vehicle. It is still possible to use it as an office, workshop or hobby cellar. If the access to the outside is maintained and there is enough space in the house, you can also think about a new design as a granny flat or holiday apartment.

Basement extension as part of a renovation

If basement rooms are available, they can be renovated or newly created at any time. Insulation, the laying of electrical cables and the connection to the heating system can also be carried out in older houses. This makes it possible to adapt the use of the cellar to new needs.

Cellar increases the resale value

Properties with basements are very popular with potential buyers. In our experience, houses with a basement are more valuable than properties built on a floor slab. A basement can add a five-figure amount to the value of the property and is very popular, not least because many builders choose not to include a basement in new properties.

Further information on the subject of building and selling a house

Here you will find further important information on the subject of building a house and selling a house, as well as tips and advice that you must follow.

Planning and financing: costs, credits, tips

In most cases, the purchase of a property is accompanied by financing. Very few property buyers are in a position to pay cash for their property. Financing for a property usually extends over a period of ten to 30 years. Careful planning is therefore very important. A stable income is one of the essential requirements for secure financing. The income should be secured for the financing period. You must take into account changes in life planning as well as the possibility of loss of earnings due to illness or unemployment. Young couples may want to have children, which also affects income.

• Click here for tips on planning and financing.

What types of houses are there? Real estate guide

You just need a little more space? However, the choices of real estate these days are very large. Especially when buying a property, there are many factors to consider and choosing the right type of house is essential. What house types there are, and what makes each of them, we would like to tell you in this article. Learn about the characteristics and special features of each type of house, and let us show you the advantages and disadvantages. With the help of this guide, it should be easier for you to choose the property that is perfect for you. Get an overview and learn about the world of bungalows, terraced houses and villas!

• Click here for the house types.

Garage and carport: architecture, weather resistance, differences

A garage or carport for one or two cars is very popular with homeowners. If a carport or garage is included in the exposé, the interest of potential buyers is greater than if the vehicle is parked on the street or unprotected in front of the house. Installing a carport or garage not only provides greater convenience when using your own home. These additions also have a positive effect on the resale value.

• Click here for the article Garage and Carport.

Roof: planning, construction and renovation of roof trusses & roof coverings

Modern roofs can have different shapes. For centuries, the classic gable roof was the most common roof shape in Germany. It was often modified into a hipped roof and equipped with dormers to make effective use of the space under the roof slopes. Tent roofs are used in the new city villas with two-storey construction. As part of a renovation, the shape of the roof can only be changed slightly. If you plan to do so, you will have to fundamentally redesign the house. Roofing, on the other hand, is often the subject of renovation. Tiles are used, which are available in various colours, shapes and designs. A new roof covering often goes hand in hand with a renovation of the roof structure. If the construction is fundamentally new and of high quality, a roof can last at least 50 years without the need for new renovation.

• Click here for the article Roof: planning, construction, renovation.

Outdoor facilities: What you need to consider for the front garden, terrace and garden

Many buyers who want to purchase a house with land attach importance to a beautiful design of the outdoor facilities. If you offer a property for sale with attractive outdoor facilities, experience has shown that you will quickly find interested buyers. If you decide to leave the house sale to a professional partner, you will save a lot of time. You don’t have to worry about contacting possible interested parties and you can go about your work and everyday life.

• Click here for the outdoor facilities article.

Overview of the bicycle cellar

• Serves bicycle storage in apartment buildings
• Mostly door to outside available
• Parking space is compulsory
• English : bicycle storage

Back to the wiki: Real Estate

The right dog – depending on breed and character

A dog can enrich your life as a family member and companion. In the summer with a dog on the road at the lake or in the park makes directly good mood. However, not every dog is suitable for everyone. Often there are allergies to dogs or certain requirements for the character, size or breed.

The Bernese dog – family friendly and loving

The Bernese Mountain Dogs belong to the breed of mountain dogs and have their roots in Switzerland. They reach a body weight of up to 50kg and a height between 60 and 70cm. The dogs are very human oriented and therefore well suited as a family dog. The traits are mainly affectionate, loyal, intelligent and faithful. The dogs are very alert and do not tend to roam. It is important to buy a Bernese puppy from a breeder, as uncontrolled breeding can lead to weaknesses in temperament and hereditary diseases. With respectable breeders Bernersennen puppies cost between 1000 and 1800 euros.

The dogs need a lot of exercise and love long walks. However, they are rather less suitable for fast sports, because their fur is very thick and the body weight is comparatively high. Also too much sun can be very exhausting for the animals. Grooming is very easy, but the new family member will lose tufts of hair during shedding. All in all, a Bernese dog is perfectly suited for families with children who offer the dog plenty of space to play and live.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 4.5 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 3.0 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw6Nxe6B5R9/

The Maltese – small and playful

The Maltese is a bright little dog breed. With a body size between 20 and 25 cm and a weight of only 3-4 kg, the dogs are very flexible and can go everywhere with you. The nature of the Maltese is very cheerful, affectionate and active. Despite his size he needs a lot of exercise and wants to be challenged. Long walks or dog sports like agility are no problem for this little dog. At the same time he needs a lot of attention and cuddles to be happy. If a Maltese is not challenged enough, he can quickly become a yapper.

Due to the size, the dog can also be kept in small apartments without any problems. The coat care of the Maltese is somewhat more complex. It can either be clipped every two to three months or it can grow long and be brushed every day. The Maltese is not subject to a coat change, which is why it loses little fur. A Maltese should also be bought from a reputable breeder, otherwise diseases or changes in temperament can occur. At a breeder a Maltese costs between 1000 and 1500 Euro. In conclusion, the Maltese is suitable for families with children, because of its friendly and playful nature, as well as for singles or couples in condominiums, because the small dog does not require much space.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family Friendly 4.0 / 5.0</blockquote
• Single and couple friendly 4.0 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw7UYRLHbku/

The Pitbull – powerful but affectionate

The powerful pit bulls are between 45 and 55 cm tall and weigh between 17 and 27 kg. However, their bad reputation as fighting dogs is usually not justified. This precedes them due to unserious breeding in the 1990s. When bred correctly, the dogs are very loving, loyal, affectionate and even devoted to people and can be kept as great family dogs and faithful companions.

The Pitbull needs a high physical and mental workout. Long walks, dog sports or search games are just what he needs. The American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bulls are on most lists of dangerous dogs. However, if it is made clear from puppyhood who holds the reins, education is guaranteed to be a success and the dogs integrate very affectionately into families. With the right education and the right breeder, the dogs can be very good family dogs. For singles or couples they are very popular because of the affectionate and loyal nature.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 3.0 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 4.0 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bww5olqAV6i/

The Elo – adaptable and friendly

Since the breeders of the Elo’s are mainly concerned with the temperament and health of the breed, the dogs come in different sizes. The small Elo’s have a size of 35-45 cm and a weight of 10 to 15 kg, while the large ones have a size of 46-60 cm and a weight of 22 to 35 kg. The temperament of the Elo’s is described as rather friendly and affectionate. The dogs are devoted to their masters, are calm to lively in temperament, can stay alone well and adapt well to new environments. They are very child friendly and not impetuous.

The dogs adapt to their master’s circumstances and can therefore be kept in the country as well as in the city. Elo’s also love long walks and always want to experience something new. Due to the lack of hunting instinct, the dogs can move freely in nature. In summary, the dogs are suitable for any age group. Whether singles, couples or families with children, the Elo adapts to all circumstances and is the perfect friend.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 4.5 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 4.5 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwAVr3QhDtg/

The Spitz – a small, loving guardian

The Spitz has a size of about 20 cm and a weight of 2-4kg. In the breed of the Spitz is distinguished in different categories, such as dwarf Spitz or medium Spitz. The nature of the Spitz is generally very curious. They have a high intelligence and are temperamental. The watchdog always comes through in their nature, which makes them a good guard and a loyal companion.

Even though he is small, he needs enough exercise to be busy and not become a yapper. The dogs love challenges and are therefore perfect for dog sports. Despite their longer coat, the dogs are very easy to care for and only lose some hair when they change their coat. In general, Spitz are suitable for families as well as singles and couples. Their affectionate nature and size makes it uncomplicated for them to live both in the country and in the city.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 4.0 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 4.5 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw9i7ZEjv4f/

The Beagle – playful and family friendly

The Beagel is known for its small and stocky figure. He grows up to 40 cm tall and weighs between 9 and 11 kg. Originally a hunting dog, the Beagel is very sociable, alert and playful, which makes him a good family dog. He needs a lot of exercise and needs to be exercised every day. Keeping this breed in an apartment is therefore not recommended.

Beagles are very sociable, which is why they cannot be left alone for long. Beagle training is considered very elaborate and exhausting, as these dogs can be very stubborn. Therefore, the Beagle is more for experienced dog owners and not for beginners. The Beagle is very easy to care for and only loses some hair during the coat change. All in all, the Beagle is well suited as a family dog with children who live in a house with a garden.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 4.0 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 2.0 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JesxnCkqs/

Shih Tzu – independent and fun-loving

The Shih Tzu originally come from Tibet and have a size of 27 cm and a weight between 4 and 8 kg. They are very cheerful and always try to attract attention. They love to be petted and want to please their master. The affectionate traits make the Shih Tzu a perfect family dog that is good with children. The attitude is very uncomplicated. The Shih Tzu does not need long walks but still wants to be exercised.

Despite their short legs, they love dog sports and can even be used as therapy dogs. The little bundles of energy have no fur, but hair and are therefore not subject to a coat change and hair hardly. However, as the hair keeps growing it needs to be cut regularly. In summary, the Shih Tzu with its friendly nature is suitable for families with children as well as for singles or couples in condominiums.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 4.5 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 4.5 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxABNAdlAU1/

The Weimaraner – hunting dog with family potential

The Weimaraner are real hunting dogs. With their size of up to 70 cm and a weight of 25 to 40 kg, it is easy to understand why. They are very strong, elegant and agile, just everything that makes a hunting dog. Their nature is very affectionate. They are very intelligent and have an intense protective instinct towards their masters. These intelligent animals need a strict and experienced hand in their upbringing, as they can be very stubborn and energetic.

The athletic dogs need at least two hours of exercise per day and want to be challenged during this time. An unused Weimaraner can become a real problem for the family. A lot of time and commitment is required to keep such a dog. However, if these points are given, the Weimaraner proves to be a loyal companion. The dogs are especially suitable for experienced dog owners. Be this in a family with children or as a single. A city life is nothing for these dogs, they need a lot of freedom and movement.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 3.0 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 3.5 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw0Ed1SgOxw/

The pug – little active but very cuddly

The small dogs, which characteristically have a very short muzzle, large ears and a wrinkled face, grow to an average height of 28 cm and weigh 6-8 kg. They are extremely sensitive and very affectionate towards their masters. They do not like to leave their owner’s side, which is why they cannot stay alone. Their nature is very friendly and playful. Their daily exercise is important to keep them healthy and fit. However, they can also be kept in an apartment without any problems.

However, they are not suitable for dog sports or long walks, as they often suffer from shortness of breath due to their short snout. They are very fond of children and playful and enjoy all the cuddles. The Pug is a good dog for beginners, as it is very easy to care for and uncomplicated. In general, a pug is suitable for singles and couples in condominiums as well as for families with a house and garden. However, depending on the needs of the master, the pug is not made for too much exercise and hot summer days.

Editor’s Rating:

• Family friendly 3.5 / 5.0
• Single and couple friendly 4.5 / 5.0

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw662oFnh6e/