How to Prepare for House Viewings on Curaçao

If you're planning to buy a house on our beautiful island, attending property viewings is a crucial step in the buying process. This is your opportunity to determine whether a home meets your wants and needs. Proper preparation can make all the difference in your search for the perfect home in Curaçao. Here’s how to get ready for a successful viewing experience.

Step 1: Research Before Viewing Homes in Curaçao

Good preparation starts with thorough research. Before physically visiting any properties, consider the following steps:

• Available Listings: Focus your search on properties currently for sale on Curaçao. While Curaçao doesn’t have a platform like Funda, there are effective ways to gain insights into available properties.
• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the buying process in Curaçao and the potential challenges you might encounter.
• Set Priorities & Budget: Ensure that the properties you view align with your wishlist and that their asking prices fit within the mortgage you qualify for.
• Hire the Right Agent: A professional real estate agent can be invaluable during this process. Find reputable agents on the island who can assist you in discovering your dream home. Even if the current listings don’t have suitable options, building a good relationship with a dedicated agent ensures they’ll actively help you discover hidden gems. Some agents collaborate, so you may not need to approach all agencies independently. For exclusive representation, consider hiring a buyer’s agent for added support (see Step 3).
• Neighborhood Amenities: Decide which neighborhoods appeal to you and research local amenities, including grocery stores, schools, and other services. Determine the commute time to places like work or Hato airport if needed. Tools like Google Street View can offer a virtual walk through the area to get a feel for the environment.

Step 2: Request Documentation

Sometimes additional property details are available for request, such as:

• Floor Plans: These are particularly helpful if you’re considering renovations, as they reveal structural elements like load-bearing walls.

Note that processes may differ from those in the Netherlands. Some sellers maintain better records than others, so you'll work with whatever information is available.

Step 3: Consider a Buyer’s Agent

Enlisting a buyer’s agent can bring many advantages, including:

• Expert Guidance: Get informed advice about the local real estate market to make well-considered decisions.
• Negotiation Support: Skilled agents can negotiate the best deal on your behalf.
• Access to Information: They may provide details about the property’s history or neighboring homes.
• Time & Stress Management: Reduce your workload and minimize the stress associated with purchasing a house.
• Local Insight: Benefit from the agent’s in-depth knowledge of neighborhoods and property values.

Avoid agencies that don’t publicly share agents’ names. These might have high staff turnover or prevent independent research. If you choose International Fine Living, for example, you’ll receive transparent and professional service.

Step 4: Prepare a List of Questions

Create a structured list of questions to ask the seller or agent during the viewing. This ensures you won’t overlook important details, such as:

• The home’s condition and the state of the neighborhood.
• Utility costs (e.g., Aqualectra) and termite history (e.g., “Komehèin”).
• Features important to you, like private parking.
• Sun orientation for enjoying morning coffee or evening sunsets.

Step 5: Explore the Area and Confirm Appointments

Before entering the house, take some time to explore the area. Drive or walk around to observe the neighborhood and imagine yourself living there.

To avoid miscommunication, confirm your appointment with the agent a day or even an hour in advance. Reliable agencies like International Fine Living usually handle confirmations for you. However, some buyers report arriving at canceled or forgotten viewings. It’s also helpful to have a working local SIM card with internet access to stay connected.

Viewing Apartments in Curaçao

When viewing apartments, take these additional factors into account:

• Active Homeowners’ Association (VvE): Ask whether there’s a functional VvE and review key documents like maintenance plans, regulations, budgets, or meeting minutes.
• House Rules: Check for restrictions, such as bans on rentals or pets, which might influence your decision.

Conclusion

Proper preparation for a viewing is essential when buying a house in Curaçao. By researching in advance, requesting documentation, considering a buyer’s agent, drafting a list of questions, and exploring the neighborhood, you’ll maximize the viewing experience. Use this opportunity to determine if the property truly feels like home. Best of luck finding your dream house on our beautiful island!

This article is part of the series: "The Real Estate Agent of Curaçao Tells All."

Disclaimer:
International Fine Living strives to provide accurate and useful information to those buying or selling a home in Curaçao. However, we recommend verifying details with the appropriate authorities or professionals. Rights cannot be claimed based on the information provided. Copyright Notice: Texts may not be copied or used without permission, but you’re welcome to link to our blog!