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Viewing a property you are thinking of buying
Going in for making a purchase a house requires many key stages and one of them is viewing the house. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that it is going to be easy as it is in many manuals. Even if you are familiar with the steps you know and how you will actually follow can never be perfect. Numerous questions need to be dealt like what to look for, what questions to ask and how to ensure you have the full picture. In this article you will come across some guidance which you may find of use and a checklist of things to look out for and questions to ask about the property and its location.
Groundwork
Previous to you going and viewing a house and trying to do as much background research as you can on the property and the area so that you do not waste time seeing something that does not meet your needs. Just when you are prepared to see the house try to take someone with you as well, if possible someone with dissimilar taste who may spot things that you fail to notice.
Decide to go for viewing the property around day time so as to get a good look and to locate problem issues.
Once you approve of the property try to make plans for to viewing it again at a different time of the day with some of your family members just to get a diverse perspective. It is always better to ask as many questions because it's your money. So be prepared and don't be hesitant to enquire direct and frank questions regarding the property. Never make decisions in a hurry and on impulse as you could be ignoring some important issues. You need to take your time, be inquisitive and just don't be rushed into by the estate agent or salesperson into making a proffer. It is advisable not to go for house hunting in just one day.
Some important questions to ask and details to keep in mind:
- Does the property require renovation? If yes, then what would be the cost?
- Is the property in a conservation area or a listed building and could this restrict any future alterations?
- Look at the space area like the number of rooms and compare it with your requirements? The furniture should be checked especially if there are extra costs for it etc.
- List of things included in the sale price like land, garage, furniture, fittings, etc
- Do you like the location and find the view acceptable?
- What are the cost of Council Tax and the average costs of other utility? Bills such as electricity, gas, water.
- Question the sellers about their reasons to move and give the house for sale.
- Check the house if they have full central heating? If it is available don't forget to check the date of replacement and figure out how old it is.
- How is the water heated? Combination boiler or tank, etc
- Have there been any problems with the boiler and when was it last serviced by a Corgi engineer.
- Do they have a loft and if it has been insulated? If so, how long ago was that?
- Does the property have cavity wall insulation?
- Has the property been misused in any way and if so are the appropriate planning and building control consents available to inspect?
- Are there any sign of subsidence (e.g. major cracks in the walls or the doors sticking?)
- Check for any smell of damp or any other sign such as the walls feeling damp, the wallpaper peeling/paint bubbling, watermarks or mould.
- Do the window frames have patches of cracking paint? (If you can force down your finger easily into the wood than it is rotten)
- Has the room recently been decorated, if so, and then it could be for a reason to cover up some fault.
- How much storage space is there?
- Are there adequate power points, how old do they look
- Does it feel like it could be your home?
The locality
You have to also make sure the location meets your requirements so here are a few things to think about:
- Nearby main roads, or pubs, clubs or restaurants - they can be practical, but also disturbing every single day.
- Is it nearby railway lines or overhead flight paths? That could be very upsetting on a long run.
- How are the people of the community? Do they seem friendly?
- The feature of the house pertaining to natural light, does it get enough light?
- Is the property well maintained?
- How old is the property? Check the documents to support the seller's word.
- Do they have a garden and what is the size?
- What is the condition of nearby properties?
- How good or near is the public transport.
- If you need school facility for kids then you need to find out about the local schools in the area?
- Are there any recognized plans for expansion in the area?
- Check for the local facilities and services like, shops, hospitals, leisure facilities, etc.
- Is the crime level in the area high?
- How are the neighbors? Are they humble or loud and noisy? Check if there ever been a dispute with the neighbors or anyone living nearby?
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