A proper inspection goes well beyond admiring the kitchen bench and the view from the back deck. Arrive with a checklist covering structural signs like cracking, water stains and sloping floors, and work through it methodically rather than letting the agent's tour dictate what you notice.
Test things that are easy to overlook in a quick walk-through, such as turning on taps to check water pressure, opening windows and doors to see if they stick, and checking for damp smells in bathrooms and under-house areas. These small checks often reveal issues that are expensive to fix later.
Pay attention to the neighbourhood as much as the home itself. Walk or drive the street at a different time to your scheduled inspection, check for nearby developments that might affect noise or views, and look at how well-kept the neighbouring properties are, since this often reflects the character of the area.
Ask the agent practical questions on the spot, including the age of major systems, any body corporate details for units, and whether there have been any insurance claims on the property. Written answers in an email afterwards give you something to rely on if a dispute arises later.
Take your own photos and notes rather than relying purely on memory, especially if you are inspecting several properties over a weekend. A second inspection before you make a serious offer is always worthwhile, ideally bringing a tradesperson or someone with a critical eye if the first visit raised any questions.
Happy to talk it through — no pressure, no sales pitch.