Real Estate Crash Course – Step 4: Property Hunt
Find and evaluate potential properties
Where to Look
- Hemnet –
- 95% of all listings are here. Your main source.
- Booli –
- Sold prices ("slutpriser"), price history, and area stats. Learn the market.
- Real estate agent websites –
- Sometimes listings appear a day early. Subscribe to newsletters.
- New construction portals –
- New builds ("nyproduktion") often aren't on Hemnet. Check developers' own sites.
- Word of mouth and Facebook –
- Local buy/sell groups and contacts can give you off-market tips.
Understanding Listings
- Starting price vs. sold price –
- Starting price ("utgångspris") is marketing. Check what similar places actually sold for ("slutpris").
- Monthly fee –
- What's included? Heating, water, internet, or just basics? Check what the fee ("avgift") covers.
- Living area vs. supplementary area –
- Only living area ("boarea") counts for price/sqm. Supplementary area ("biarea") is bonus space like basements.
- Running costs –
- For houses. Seller estimates for running costs ("driftkostnad") are often too low. Calculate yourself.
- Days on market –
- Long time on market can mean problems, or room to negotiate.
Set Up Alerts
- Hemnet alerts –
- Create multiple alerts ("bevakningar") for different areas or criteria.
- Don't go too narrow –
- You might miss good options nearby if you filter too tightly.
- Set price range slightly higher –
- See what you're competing against. Good to know the market.
- Check daily –
- Good properties move fast, especially in hot markets.
- Booli alerts –
- Track sold prices ("slutpriser") to learn the real market.
Timing & Mindset
- Spring and autumn –
- Most listings, but also most competition.
- Summer and Christmas –
- Fewer listings, but calmer bidding situations.
- Expect to lose bids –
- It's normal. Most people lose several bids before winning one.
- Don't fall in love too early –
- Stay rational until the keys are in your hand.
- Be ready to act –
- Viewings book fast. Decisions happen in days, not weeks.
Step 4 of 8