Most buyers look around for several weeks before they are ready to buy. Some families only want to inspect a small selection of the right properties; others look for months, some for a year or more.

Sometimes doing important market research before buying is easier said than done. In a buyers market where there are more properties for sale than buyers, prospective owners can do their homework at leisure without the risk of prices getting too high too quickly. There is of course always the risk of getting beaten to the post by another buyer.

On the other hand, in a sellers' or rising market, many buyers feel pressured to buy quickly in case they miss out, especially if they have seen prices rise in the weeks since they started looking.

Building up a picture of the market is more difficult when buyers outnumber properties for sale. In this instance, buyers should look even look at properties that don't appeal - not because they might buy them but because they will become "market savvy" sooner and may save money if they are ready to buy in a shorter time frame. Obviously, it is preferable not to be rushed. It can take months to follow the marketing campaign of even half a dozen properties. But finding out the selling prices of properties similar to what buyers are looking for is the best way for buyers to know what to expect for their money.

Often the best way is to follow your instincts and first impressions. If the property and the price fits, don't delay and risk being disappointed. No two properties are ever the same and it can be a hellish job to replace a property that you had set your heart on but missed to secure.

Once a pattern emerges, it is makes sense to keep an eye on properties that reduce over time in order to sell, and maybe even pick up a bargain if a vendor appears nervous or anxious.

The number of properties to inspect varies from buyer to buyer. Many people follow the papers or browse the internet for a long time before actually inspecting a single property.

They follow properties through from first advertisement to contracts exchanged so they have an excellent idea of market values before they even start looking. These days, at least, much of the preliminary work can be done on the internet without buyers even needing to leave their living room.

Advise us of your email address and we will put you on our property alert system to keep you informed of new properties of interest as they become available.

Contact me by email with your details to heinz.bauchler@bigpond.com