Viewings
Published:
At the beginning, it seems quite simple. You arrange a viewing, you arrive, you take a look, and you decide. However, the reality is that a viewing is a process that can go wrong very quickly. And the worst part? Usually, you only notice when it is already too late.
Let’s break down what this chain of gradual failure looks like and why we often end up signing contracts for apartments that do not actually suit us.
## Phase 1: Expectation
It all starts with the advertisement. You have seen the photos (which look great), the price is acceptable, and the location "sort of fits." You have already created a picture in your head: *"This could be the one."* And that is the first fundamental problem. You no longer go to the viewing neutrally, but with expectations. This then retroactively distorts everything you see on-site.
## Phase 2: First Impression
You arrive at the location and reality begins to clash with your vision. The entrance does not look as good as in the photos, the hallway is darker, and the apartment itself feels smaller. But because you are already there with the intention of wanting it, your brain starts working on a defense: *"It’s not that bad, it will work out."* In short, the brain adjusts reality to match your original expectation.
## Phase 3: Adaptation
After a few minutes in the space, the adaptation phase begins. You get used to the size of the rooms, stop noticing minor flaws, and start imagining where you will put the sofa and how you will live there. At that moment, your mindset switches: you stop evaluating the apartment objectively and start justifying it internally.
## Phase 4: Blind Spots
This is the critical point of the entire process. There are things you do not see, do not address, or consciously ignore.
* **Street noise?** Only one car just drove by; it will be fine.
* **Neighbors?** It is quiet in the hallway (because everyone is at work).
* **Odors?** The windows are open, so you don't smell anything.
And most importantly – you do not ask the questions you should be asking. You do not want to be "annoying," you do not want to spoil the good impression you are trying to make, and above all, you do not want to lose the apartment.
## Phase 5: Pressure
Then comes that notorious sentence: *"We have other interested parties."* Suddenly, you speed up. You stop thinking and start reacting. At this moment, rational decision-making turns into a pure reaction to pressure and the fear of scarcity.
## Phase 6: Decision
You leave the viewing and arguments run through your head: *"It’s not ideal, but I probably won’t find anything better and I don’t want to miss out."* You make a decision. Not because the apartment is great, but because you do not want to lose the opportunity.
## Phase 7: Reality (Later)
After moving in, the illusion dissolves. Suddenly you hear the neighbors through the thin wall, you find out the heating cannot keep up in winter, the commute to work is endless during rush hour, and the landlord behaves completely differently than they did during those fifteen minutes at the viewing. You say to yourself: *"I saw this... didn't I?"*
Yes, you saw it. You just didn't want to see it at the time.
## Where did it go wrong?
The mistake did not happen at the end when signing the contract. The entire chain started with expectations and continued through the first impression, adaptation, and ignoring warning signs, all the way to the final pressure.
## How not to mess it up?
The simplest advice is: **Go against yourself.**
* When you like something at first glance, start actively looking for flaws.
* When you have too good a feeling about an apartment, question it.
* When you feel pressure, intentionally slow down.
## Practical advice in conclusion
Never go to a viewing "just because." Take a physical list of questions and specific things you want to see and check (condition of windows, water pressure, sockets, cellar). Stick to your list like an anchor, because otherwise, emotions will overwhelm you in the heat of the battle for the apartment.
Remember one thing: **A viewing is not about confirming that you want the apartment. It is about finding out why you shouldn't want it.** Most people do the exact opposite – and that is why they end up living in apartments that do not suit them.