Complete guide to buying a property: from research to negotiation

The decision to buy a property is one of the most important in anyone's life.

Step 1: Searching for the ideal property

Before you start looking for a property, it's essential to be clear about your needs and expectations.

So, ask yourself: what type of property are you looking for? Is it a house or an apartment? What's the ideal location? And what's the size?

These questions will guide your search effectively, helping you avoid options that don't meet your requirements.

Using real estate portals is an excellent starting point, after all, sites like Zap Real Estate, OLX Real Estate and Live Real offer detailed filters that allow you to customize your search based on criteria such as price, number of rooms, location, and floor area.

Additionally, social media and local groups can provide less visible options, such as properties being traded directly between individuals.

According to a study by the Brazilian Association of Real Estate Developers (2023), 70% of buyers begin their research online, making the use of these platforms essential.

However, it is worth complementing the research with in-person visits to the neighborhood of interest, to gain a more realistic understanding of the environment and its infrastructure.

Important information:

Criterion	Percentage of Influence on Purchase
Location	45%
Price	35%
Property Size	20%

This may interest you: Buying a property off-plan: 7 reasons to do so – Valor Notícias (valornoticias.com).

Step 2: The importance of financial planning when buying a property

Before moving forward in the process of buy a property, it is essential to carry out careful financial planning.

This is because the down payment, deed costs and fees, as well as financing, are factors that require detailed analysis.

In the end, according to a survey by FipeZap (2023), the average price of a residential property in Brazil increased by 8,16% in the last year, which reinforces the need for a well-structured budget.

Therefore, the first step is to determine how much you can afford as a down payment and how much you'll need to finance. Generally, banks require a down payment of at least 20% of the total value of the property.

Also, remember to include documentation costs, which can represent up to 5% of the purchase value.

In this case, personal finance apps are useful tools for those who want to organize their finances, as they allow you to control expenses, simulate financing and create personalized budgets, facilitating the process of buy a property.

So, research app options to help you manage your finances during this purchasing process.

Step 3: Property visits and evaluation

After the research and planning phase, it's time to visit the selected properties.

This is an important step, as live perception may differ from images seen online.

Therefore, during visits, it is important to observe details that may not be clear in the photos, such as the property's condition, natural light, the quality of the finishes, and the layout of the rooms.

Additionally, evaluate the surrounding area and check whether the neighborhood is quiet, whether there are local shops, and whether public transportation is accessible.

According to the Economic Research Institute Foundation (FIPE), 40% of people who buy properties say that the quality of the neighborhood was decisive in their choice.

Another important point is the technical evaluation of the property. Hiring an engineer or architect to conduct an inspection can prevent unpleasant surprises, such as structural problems or leaks.

In this case, the technical evaluation can also be used as an argument during negotiations, if defects are found that justify a price reduction.

++Property Depreciation: What It Is and How to Calculate It – Valor Notícias (valornoticias.com)

Step 4. Negotiation: How to get the best terms when buying a property

Negotiating a property's price may seem intimidating, but it's an essential part of the buying process.

This is because many sellers are already waiting for a counteroffer and are willing to grant discounts, especially if the property has been on the market for a long time.

According to data from the Central Bank of Brazil, in 2023, the real estate financing rate averaged 9.5% per year, which directly impacts the total amount paid at the end of the contract.

Therefore, achieving a good purchase price can substantially reduce financing costs in the long run.

When starting negotiations, it is important to be prepared with data and information that justify your offer.

If the property needs renovations, if the price is above market value, or if the area has depreciated in value, these are points that can be used to argue.

Therefore, a valuable tip is to always remain cordial during negotiations and show that you have a genuine interest in the property.

Step 5. Documentation required to purchase a property

After negotiation and acceptance of the offer, it's time to formalize the purchase with the necessary documentation, and this is a step that requires attention to detail to avoid future problems.

The first step is to sign the purchase and sale agreement, which should be carefully reviewed to ensure that all terms are clear.

Among the essential documents for buy a property, the following stand out:

Property registration certificate;
Negative debt certificates;
Public deed (when payment is made in cash);
Financing agreement (in case of financing).

In addition, the buyer must be aware of notary fees and ITBI (Real Estate Transfer Tax), which varies between 2% and 3% of the property value, depending on the municipality.

Having the documentation up to date is essential to avoid surprises in the future and ensure that the purchase is made without complications.

Important quote:

Correct real estate documentation not only protects the buyer, but also ensures that the transaction complies with all legal regulations, avoiding legal problems in the future.

Conclusion

Buying a property It is a complex journey that involves everything from detailed research to final negotiation.

However, with proper financial planning, the use of technological tools, and careful documentation, this experience can become much smoother and safer.

The steps we explore here—research, planning, viewings, negotiations, and documentation—are crucial to ensuring a successful home purchase.

Finally, remember that every detail counts, and investing time in analyzing each phase of the process is crucial to making the best decision.

That said, by following these tips, you'll be prepared to make a conscious, safe purchase that meets your expectations.

Life and Finance

Roberta 9 de October de 2024