Site Visit Cost & Commute Estimator

Research suggests the optimal number is 8-12 properties, visiting: (1) 3-4 in your preferred micro-market (e.g., New Town); (2) 2-3 in a competing micro-market (e.g., Rajarhat); (3) 1-2 in a stretch option (higher budget or better location); (4) 1-2 in a safety option (lower budget, confirmed delivery). Visiting fewer than 5 risks overpaying or missing better options; visiting more than 15 leads to decision fatigue and confusion. Use RealtyIQ's project comparison tool to shortlist before visiting.

Optimise using these strategies: (1) Batch by locality - visit all New Town projects in one day, all Rajarhat projects another day; (2) Time your visits - weekday mornings are less crowded, giving you more time with sales teams; (3) Start with virtual tours - use 360° walkthroughs to eliminate 50% of options before physical visits; (4) Visit at different times - weekday evening (traffic noise), weekend (crowd levels), monsoon (drainage issues); (5) Prepare a checklist - same 15-20 questions for every project for fair comparison; (6) Bring a companion - second opinion on layout, light, ventilation.

Ask these critical questions: (1) "What is the exact carpet area of this unit?" (not super built-up); (2) "Show me the RERA registration and sanctioned plans"; (3) "What is the possession date - and what compensation if delayed?"; (4) "What is the exact payment plan - when is each instalment due?"; (5) "What are the monthly maintenance charges and how are they calculated?"; (6) "Show me the actual construction progress - can I see my specific unit?"; (7) "What is the loading percentage on this project?"; (8) "Are there any pending litigations or disputes on this land?"; (9) "What is the developer's track record - past projects and delivery timelines?"; (10) "What additional charges beyond the quoted price?" (parking, club membership, corpus fund).

Both approaches have merit. Going directly to the developer's sales office: you get the developer's official pricing and offers, but may miss negotiating leverage or unbiased comparisons. Using a WBRERA-registered channel partner (like Vision Realtors): you get curated options across multiple developers, someone who knows the local market, and a single point of contact - at no additional cost to you (channel partners are compensated by developers). For first-time buyers, a registered channel partner is highly recommended - they handle site visit logistics, help with documentation, and provide market intelligence across projects.