Checkpoints for Real Estate Tour-2

Continuing with yesterday's article, we're going to explain some of the points you should be aware of when visiting a property. If you are looking for a rental property, or if you are an investor and are in a position to recruit a tenant, you may also find this useful.

[Case of Building] What to check when you preview the property

Are there any equipment shortages?
The first thing to do is to check for intercoms, lights, stove, etc. If possible, test run the unit if it can be checked to see if it works. Also, carefully check the function of the water system, such as checking the water pressure in the faucet and shower. There are some types, which are often found in older apartments, where the water temperature is so cumbersome that you have to fine-tune the amount of hot and cold water every time you use the shower. It would be a shame if the water pressure in the shower is also weak. Check it out so you don't regret it later. If you are a woman, carefully check the security of the building. While the type of key (a dimple key is best) is important, it is also important to check whether or not there are places that can be used as an entry route. For example, make sure that the fence on the first floor is high enough and that there are no unauthorized access routes to the building from the back, etc. Please check the security from both a facility and environmental perspective.

Is it sound insulation?
It is also important to check the sound insulation quality of the room to see how much noise you can hear from up, down, left and right. Tapping on the walls is also useful. Please check to see if it sounds like it's stuck inside.
It's also best if you can check not only the walls, but also the floor, and preferably the ceiling as well, to see how well they are soundproofed. Be careful if you knock on the walls and find that they are hollow or only separated by plasterboard. In some cases, the sound from the next room can be heard exactly as it is.
If you have plans with you, please check the building structure as well. Reinforced concrete buildings (RC and SRC) are often excellent for sound insulation, so if you are concerned about sound, please consider it. If you are not sure, please ask the real estate agent.

Is the room tilted?
The tilt of the room can affect your health, such as headaches and dizziness. It's important to check the tilt of the room, which is difficult to see from the outside. Rolling a marble on the desk is old now, and recently there is an application that can check it on a smartphone. In fact, if it's wooden and old, some rooms may be leaning. 
Even though the rent is cheap, the property itself is still pretty rickety, so make sure you check it out.

Is the delivery route wide?
You also need to consider bringing in beds, sofas and large appliances. Measure the space at the entrance, as well as the entrance, elevator and stairs if possible. It is a special case, but when you want to move a large item like a piano into a room on the second floor or higher, there are cases where it must be brought in from the balcony because it cannot be disassembled or assembled. The price will vary depending on the type of hauling, but it can range from 10,000 yen to several hundred thousand yen. Be careful not to become an unexpected expense in moving.

Check for mold.
Check your clogs and bathrooms, which are prone to moisture, as these are the points where mold can occur. It is easy to forget about the Japanese style closet and the back of the closet, so make sure to check these areas. The moment you open a storage door, be careful if you smell moldy. Your clothes, bags, and shoes may have been damaged by mold.
The ventilation fan, which also serves to release moisture, is a good place to check. If you think the ventilation fan is noisy, it may have been installed long past its useful life. Consult the real estate agent to see if they will replace the fan.

Do you notice any dirt or scratches?
Stains on the wallpaper and scratches on the flooring are things you want to check in advance. It may be difficult to look at them in detail when you preview the room, but it is a good idea to check them before you sign the lease. If there are areas of concern, take pictures of them and discuss them with the management company in advance. It is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid having your security deposit returned when you move out.

How's the cell phone signal?
It can be easily affected by the structure of the property and its location in relation to the surrounding buildings. You should check the signal reception everywhere you go. In general, it is easier to get reception in wooden buildings and harder to get reception in reinforced concrete buildings. If you have trouble getting a signal, major cell phone carriers can lend you a home antenna, so please consult with them.

Is the number and location of outlets appropriate?
This is especially important if you have a home with many appliances. In addition to the electrical outlets, make sure you have details on your drawings of where the TV antenna wires and the phone wires are located. Imagine your life and think about where you want the electrical outlets to be located, whether they are around the sink or where you want to place the TV, and so on.

Do you sense any trouble with the residents?
The person viewing the property is, as it were, a first-time visitor to the property. Because it is your first visit, it is very important to follow up on any missing information. At times like these, the bulletin boards set up at the entrance and in each area are helpful.
You can imagine what kind of problems are likely to occur based on the content of the warning signs about garbage disposal and noise. General notices are fine, but if they are specific, such as "Neighbors complain about noise after 10:00 p.m.," "Do not leave your personal belongings, such as bicycles, in the common corridor," or "Please obey the garbage disposal rules," you need to be careful.

[Case of Surrounding Environment] ​What to check when you preview the property

It is not only the building that determines the quality of the property. How well-developed and equipped the surrounding environment is also an important criterion. Take a little time to walk around and look around.

Are convenience stores and supermarkets nearby?
Make sure to check the location of convenience stores and supermarkets, which are essential to your daily life. Also, don't forget to check the opening hours. Although the day of the preview may be difficult, it is a good idea to check the store's product line and price quotes if possible.

Is the security level high?
It is important to get a feel for the atmosphere of the place by going to the site to see if it is safe. It's easy to stare at the drawings while traveling to the property, but check to see if there are streetlights and if there are many people on the street. Once again, it is useful to visit at night and actually walk your route home. During the day, the street may have a great view, but at night the streetlights may be dark and scary.

Are there any noise sources nearby?
It is important to know if there are any facilities nearby that generate loud noise, such as pachinko parlors, or if there is too much traffic on the main road. Heavy traffic on a main road is directly related to noise. Depending on the time of day, the road may be quiet, so you should also be aware of what the road will be used for. Otherwise, if there is a hospital or fire station nearby, you will need to consider the access of emergency vehicles.

How convenient is the transportation system?
Walking time to the nearest station is important, but some properties may require you to ride a bicycle or take a bus. If it's a bus, you should also check the destination and number of bus stops, and if it's a bicycle, you should also check the location, cost and current availability of bicycle parking near the station. The "walking time" shown on the drawing is based on one minute per 80 meters and does not take into account stopping at traffic lights. When looking at several housings, there are many cases where a real estate company will show you around by car, etc., but if possible, please try to confirm the time required from the station by your own feet.

Summary
We've given you some key points to consider here, focusing on the date of your preview, but there are actually many things you can check in advance. With a rental information site, you can look up a map of the area, search for the location of supermarkets and hospitals, and check the facilities and traffic on the bus routes as well as the crime rate. Since you are looking for a new house, it is ideal to be able to have fun while looking for a place to live. Prepare well in advance and find the room that's perfect for you!