Dream home found in Ludwigsfelde
An interview with Elisabeth Woiwode from Berlin, buyer of a semi-detached house in Ludwigsfelde
Why did you choose Engel & Völkers as your estate agent? Woiwode: It was a recommendation from friends. They had had very good personal experiences with the purchase of your condominium. My husband and I got in touch in August.
And how did the search go? Woiwode: The requirements that our dream home had to fulfil were entered as a profile in the Engel & Völkers system. This meant that we were always the first to receive exposés of suitable houses right at the start of marketing.
What considerations did you have with regard to the search area? Woiwode: We wanted to be in the suburbs south-west of Berlin. The location had to have a good infrastructure and reasonable transport links, including rail connections, and of course be in a price segment that suited our budget.
When did you find what you were looking for? Woiwode: After a few months of searching, the time had come. We had discovered "our dream home" through Engel & Völkers - in the town of Ludwigsfelde in a quiet location. We immediately asked for a viewing appointment and fortunately got one very quickly.
How was the viewing? Woiwode: Very pleasant. The estate agent, Mrs Leiendecker, showed us around the very well-kept property and took time for us and all our questions. We also got to know the owners briefly. After a short consideration afterwards, we were sure: this is it.
What happened next? Woiwode: We made a bid one day later. Because we really wanted the house, we offered a purchase price 3% above the asking price. The owners didn't think twice and accepted our bid. Mutual sympathy certainly also played a role.
Are you financing? Woiwode: Yes. The financing consultancy Engel & Völkers Finance provided us with excellent support and quickly found a suitable bank for us - with top conditions. With the best will in the world, our house bank couldn't keep up.
Which notary did you choose? Woiwode: It had to be quick. We followed a recommendation and contacted the Domröse notary's office in Potsdam. They were able to arrange a prompt appointment. This was perfectly prepared by Mrs Leiendecker. It was also a very pleasant experience overall.
What happened next? Woiwode: The owners moved out so that the handover could take place soon. We did some minor renovation work. Then everything fitted in with our expectations.
What would you recommend to anyone looking for a new home? Woiwode: When a "dream property" is found, react quickly and be proactive. Be well prepared so that a concrete financing commitment from a bank can be presented within a short time. If everything fits, don't hesitate, but get to work with determination.
