There’s no shortage of details that can impact a property’s value, safety, or overall appeal. Still, some property conditions come up far more often than others.
As a real estate professional, be on the lookout for these important factors:
Let’s unpack each of these a bit further.
How much you’re expected to know about land and soil depends largely on your area of expertise and the type of property being sold. If you work primarily with agricultural listings, clients might expect you to understand things like groundwater levels or seasonal irrigation challenges. For a typical suburban home sale, though, your focus will likely be more basic.
In residential sales, it’s still essential to notice what’s happening on the ground. Are there signs of flooding after heavy rain? Is the soil eroding near the foundation? Do you see water collecting in low spots around the yard? Each of these can signal a potential drainage or grading issue. If you see something that seems off, bring it up with the seller and make a note of their response. Catching small concerns early can protect your clients from larger problems down the road.
Sellers are responsible for accurately representing their property’s dimensions, improvements, and any restrictions or shared rights that affect its use. These details are all material facts, which means accuracy matters.
When a buyer asks for lot size or square footage, don’t guess. Instead, refer to a reliable source. For instance, you might say, “According to the latest survey, the lot measures about a quarter of an acre.” Whenever possible, double-check numbers using official records such as surveys, tax documents, or title reports.