Estate agent guide: How to view a property
Monday, 7 November 2011 5:04 PM
Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, viewing a house can be a tricky business. When you are ready to start viewing make a list of all property you are interested in and remember not to rush any of the viewings or decision-making no matter how much pressure you are under.
First impressions
Before knocking, take a few moments to observe and take in your first impressions. Note any parking facilities or restrictions and the general atmosphere of the street.
Top Tip: This is a good opportunity to take a note of the neighbours. Do they have any overlooking views or pets that may end up being a nuisance?
Location, location, location
Apart from the obvious questions such as schools, transport facilities, shops, amenities, doctors etc the actual position of the property will make a huge difference to you.
Top Tip: Which way is the property positioned? East facing rooms will receive more sun in the morning; west facing rooms will be brighter in the afternoon so make sure the rooms fit within your lifestyle and what you expect from each room.
Make lists
Before starting your viewings, it may be worth spending time creating an image of your perfect house. Make a list of the various features you want your perfect house to have. These features should cover the obvious criteria such as the size of the house and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms but also criteria relating to the environment in which your house will be located.
Top Tip: The number of rooms requires careful thought: do you have guests to stay often and do you need spare rooms for a nanny? If you work from home then a separate office is crucial. In fact, the top end of the market often requires two home offices.
Ask questions
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Gaining as much information about the reasons for the sale and the condition of the property will pay dividends later when making an offer.
Top Tip: Knock on doors to ask if there is anything you should know about the area. That way you will find out who your potential neighbours are and you may find out some interesting information – some positive, some negative.
The details
Ask about the cost of council tax and utilities with the seller. Are there any guarantees not held with the title deeds? i.e. damp and timber reports, planning consents for alterations and extensions.
Top Tip: Find out if the owner has made any improvements and if there are relevant warranties in place. At this stage it is also good to ask if they have applied for any planning permission that has been accepted or declined.
Ask for the history
Having had a previous buyer does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem with the property, but it does require investigation. Ask the owner or agent why the sale collapsed. If you are not happy with the answer, investigate further or walk away.
Top Tip: If the previous buyer had completed the searches or any survey your solicitor may be able to purchase these from the buyers solicitor which will save you waiting for the searches to be carried out by the local authority and possibly save money in the process.
Insider tips
Knowing why the owner is selling is a significant factor in helping to decide what kind of offer you may be prepared to make. It may also give you a good indication regarding the seriousness of intent to sell. If the seller is vague then may be they're not so serious or perhaps just testing the market.
Top Tip: If the property has been on the market for some time there may be a problem with the property or its price. Don't be afraid to be direct and ask the owners and the agent for their opinion. You may not get a straight answer, but at least the owner and agent will know that you understand there may be problems and it could be a good negotiating tool later on.
How fast can you move?
This is a key question that may end up saving you significant money. If your seller wants a quick sale for any number of reasons such as if they have found their new home, or they've taken out a bridging loan on their next home, they will want to move quickly. Regardless of any reason the bottom-line is if a seller wants a quick sale for any reason and you're in a position to move fast, then you have a good footing when considering any price negotiations.
Top Tip: While you need to have the full details of the property you are hoping to buy, it is also important not to forget to have your own details up to date. In a fast moving market, it is important to have your mortgage in place and be as ready to go as possible because if more than one person makes an offer, buyers are more likely to go with the person who can move the fastest.
Quick tips at a glance
• View the property three or four times, at different times of day, to find out what it's really like.
• Look at the structure of the building. For example, if there are hairline cracks in the walls, investigate further.
• Be wary of damp, check as thoroughly as you can and notice if there is a musty smell.
• Spend 15 to 30 minutes looking around the property, and then at least half an hour walking around the general area.
• Find out what the area is like at rush hour, when the pubs close, at weekends and on a weekday. Try to drive from the property to work or school during rush hour to check your commute.
Andrew Ellinas is director of Sandfords estate agents.
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