A study conducted in Ruislip has revealed that a significant number of potential home-buyers spend less than 20 minutes viewing a property before making an offer. This quick decision-making process may lead to overlooking important details such as the condition of the boiler, water pressure, or signs of damage and damp.
To address this issue, new eye-tracking software has been introduced to help home-buyers avoid common pitfalls associated with making snap decisions. The software aims to guide buyers in focusing their attention on crucial aspects of a property, rather than getting distracted by irrelevant details that may not even be present once they move in.
During the trial in Ruislip, participants showed little interest in inspecting certain key components of a house, such as the flooring, roof, ceiling, and radiators. Surprisingly, radiators were glanced at for less than half a second in any room, despite their importance in a home’s heating system.
Research conducted by Zoopla among 2,000 homebuyers who have attended house viewings in the past five years revealed some alarming trends. Only half of the respondents checked the condition of the boiler, while a significant portion failed to inspect for damp or condensation.
Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, highlighted the importance of thoroughly examining all elements of a property before making a purchase. He emphasised the significance of using cutting-edge technology to understand the behavioural habits of buyers and make informed decisions.
In light of these findings, Zoopla offers a range of online tools and filters to assist buyers in finding suitable properties that meet their criteria. By leveraging these resources, buyers can streamline their search process and focus on properties that align with their preferences and requirements.
Lily Mace, a senior sales consultant at Coopers Residential, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Zoopla on this experiment. She underscored the importance of helping buyers and sellers maximise their real estate experience by leveraging innovative technologies and insights.
Ultimately, the study in Ruislip sheds light on the need for home-buyers to conduct thorough inspections and make informed decisions when purchasing a property. By utilising tools like eye-tracking software and online filters, buyers can enhance their understanding of a property’s key features and avoid potential pitfalls associated with quick decision-making.
