As the construction boom races on one needs to ask what are the consequences of reading all the super-hype about new apartment or home offerings in the papers, magazines and online. How do the the sales promotions shown influence your choice, how the layout and make-up of the display model influences your decision to buy and how the sales tactics are set to manipulate your choice.

• Many large Israel construction firms have been major contributors to the new Jerusalem Post Real Estate Magazine which advertises every aspect of the “rich new you” you can be including a 5 year moratorium on payments (June-July 07) for multistory up-scale buildings now on offer.
• A recent media report from the Jerusalem Post determined that the Israel media has proven itself slanted and bias in its reporting of major issues. Supreme Court justices were also sited for their perceived mandate to impose their wisdom on the population. So the question is does anyone have a mandate to provide reliable, accurate information on real-estate promotions or construction quality?
• A previous "Design Magazine" again by the Jerusalem Post contained an article showing how the use of a display apartment which was dressed with up to $500,000 in room decorations and amenities gave the illusion of a fabulous home with curved teardrop mirrored glass ceilings and leather couches, mirrored walls and all the extras. This articles slant was revealed to be illusionary, as you the buyer did not receive these “dress up” apartment but only the bare walls.

With the above reports one must question if the media is bias on larger issues, how can it be unbiased towards real-estate quality? Would it even matter at this high-pressure juncture in time? One must ask, How can I make a proper decision when viewing a home or apartment for purchase given the information available to me?

The simple answer is you cannot, you must have a qualified representative.
Who and where are up to you.
Below is the short list:

1. Real-estate agents, who can be a good source if information. (not unbiased, and as of late offer their own INSPECTORS)
2. Contractors, who may believe they are giving “GRADE A” products for the money. (not unbiased)
3. Lawyers, who are knowledgeable in real-estate issues but not construction techniques or Israel Standards, also costly and are usually only called upon after you have decided to purchase. (unbiased)
4. Independent inspectors, engineers who are educated in construction techniques, have a mandate to work for the purchaser, and are available for review with you or independently with a written reports. (unbiased)

All of which leads to the main point.

• Receiving a good well constructed home is not easy in Israel. Standards must be followed but many times are cut for whatever reason and an independent quality control agent must be on site to push the builder so you receive proper work, as there is no one else.
• The Israel government is doing this with some of the best contactors in Israel so why not you? Without it you do not receive an “Israeli Standards” well built home, point.

Sincerely,
David W Stiebel
http://www.qa-israel.com