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Entrada de una vivienda organizada para una primera visita inmobiliaria

How to Prepare for a First Property Viewing and Not Miss Anything Important

Have you scheduled your first visit to see a property in Mallorca? Then you’re in one of the most exciting moments of the buying process. It’s that moment when the photos come to life and you start imagining your day-to-day within those walls. But it’s also the moment when emotions can easily take over… and you may overlook key details.

In this article, you’ll find a practical and useful guide to help you organize your first visit efficiently, understand what to observe, what to ask, and how to prepare to make the best possible decision. We’ve also included two checklists — one for new builds and one for second-hand homes — so you don’t miss a thing.

Before visiting: research, prioritize, and prepare

1. Analyze the location

You’re not just buying a property, you’re choosing a lifestyle. Look beyond the square meters and also focus on:
• Distance to schools, healthcare centers, and supermarkets
• Public transportation and access roads
• Noise and traffic depending on the time of day (Google Maps can help)
👉 You can use Idealista Maps to check price trends by area and urban context.
https://www.idealista.com/maps/

2. Review the property

Whether it’s a new development or a second-hand property, read the description carefully and request floor plans or quality reports if possible.
If it’s a new build: check if it’s already built or still under construction, what finishes are included, and how the layout is.
If it’s second-hand: ask whether there have been recent renovations, what year it was built, and what type of utilities it has.

3. Prepare your priorities

Before the visit, make a realistic list of your must-haves:
• How many bedrooms do you really need?
• Is southern exposure more important to you, or total silence?
• Are you looking for a terrace or garden? Or a garage?
These questions will help you stay focused once you’re inside.

During the visit: observe, ask, compare

This is the time to be curious and a bit skeptical (in a good way). Don’t hold back. What you don’t ask now could cost you money later.

🔍 Details to observe (depending on property type)

🔸 For new builds:
• Actual finishes vs. rendered images
• Materials of windows, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms
• Thermal and acoustic insulation
• Communal spaces: is there a pool, garden, elevator, storage room?
🔸 For second-hand homes:
• Possible cracks, dampness, or stains on the walls
• Condition of sockets, faucets, and boiler
• Windows: insulation and condition
• Doors: fit, noise, or damage
⚡ If you can, bring a small flashlight and charger to check dimly lit areas or power outlets.
Key questions you should ask
• What are the community fees? Do they include any services?
• Are there any upcoming or past special assessments?
• What taxes apply (transfer tax or new build + VAT)?
• Does it have an energy certificate? What is its rating?
Pareja revisando checklist antes de entrar a una casa en Mallorca

Essential checklist

Here is an extended version, divided by property type.
Checklist for new builds
• Request the quality report
• Confirm delivery date and permits
• Evaluate orientation and ventilation
• Verify communal areas and included services
• Request breakdown of taxes and costs
• Compare plans to reality (if already built)
Checklist for second-hand homes
• Check for dampness, cracks, windows, and sockets
• Ask about recent renovations
• Confirm community fees and whether there are special assessments
• Check thermal and acoustic insulation
• Verify ownership and if there are outstanding charges
• Request the energy certificate

After the visit: compare and reflect

Take a break. Review your photos and write down what you liked and didn’t like. Ask yourself:
• Does it meet your essential criteria?
• Can you really picture yourself living there?
• Is the price-quality ratio reasonable for the area and type of property?
💬 Pro tip: compare it with other similar options you’ve visited. Don’t rush. The best purchase is the one that lets you sleep peacefully.

Recommended link to keep learning

If you want to know more about sustainability and how to save with an energy-efficient home, we invite you to read:
👉 Housing and energy efficiency: how it impacts your daily life

Casa mediterránea soleada lista para ser visitada por futuros propietarios

Conclusion: a good visit is worth a thousand searches

Organizing your first visit well not only saves you time — it can save you thousands of euros and headaches. By having clear priorities and using tools like checklists, you’ll be able to compare objectively and make the right decision.

And if you’re looking for a new home in Mallorca, at Sunset Group we help you from the first click until you turn the key in the lock. No surprises.

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