Real estate agent jargon: Understanding apartment ads correctly

Apartment advertisements always emphasize the positive aspects of an apartment: a tiny 1-room apartment becomes a "cozy home", a "well-maintained" apartment requires renovation. So what should you look out for in the wording?

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Get an impression of the exact location before your appointment.

A "central location" often means a lot of traffic noise and, in the case of a "central location", prospective buyers may find a bus or train stop right outside the door. In the case of an "extensively renovated" property, you should inquire about the exact scope: modern thermal insulation and heating systems are very important today.

Lots of noise in "up-and-coming neighborhoods"

Most people want their home to be "flooded with light" - however, there is a risk that the apartment will heat up considerably in summer. If the apartment is located in an "up-and-coming neighborhood", residents must expect noise from construction sites, restaurants and pubs. And it is often difficult to predict how a neighborhood will really develop in a few years' time.

Form your own impression

It is helpful to get your own impression before the viewing appointment. Is the street very busy, does the house look well maintained, what does the neighborhood look like? If there is a supermarket opposite, for example, prospective buyers should expect delivery traffic, often at very early hours.