11 secrets for successful property viewing
Whether you are looking to rent or buy, viewing potential properties is a key part of house hunting. Here is how to make sure a property is really worth your money.
1. Do not view it alone
The more pairs of eyes you have looking around a property the better.
If you attend a viewing alone, it is likely you will be led around by an agent who does their best to highlight the positive features of the property, not giving you the chance to look closely.
Even if you will be living alone, take a friend or relative to view the property with you as they may spot something you miss.
2. View outside and inside
It is easy to get caught up examining the inside of a property and forget to take a thorough look at the outside.
Checking the exterior walls and the roof as well as the pipes and drainage is essential; if there are any problems, they could be expensive to get fixed.
If any work is required, you may either want to arrange a professional survey if you are looking to buy, or look for a rental property elsewhere.
3. Give yourself plenty of time
Shown around by an agent or owner?
View the property at your own pace and avoid being hurried. Tell them beforehand how long you intend to spend viewing the property.
The last thing you want is to have to rush around the property because you have another viewing booked 10 minutes later, or because the estate agent is rushing to another appointment.
You should leave at least 20-30 minutes to view the inside of a property and a further 20-30 minutes to check the outside and to walk around the local neighbourhood.
4. Leave emotion at the door
Walking through the front door and immediately imagining yourself living in the property can be a good sign. However, it is also likely to mean that you are looking through rose tinted glasses for the rest of the viewing.
Even if you feel that a property could be the one, try to look around the rest of the flat or house with a critical eye.
If you do find a problem you may be able to negotiate a reduction in price, but even if it is too big an issue to resolve it is still better to find it before you are financially committed.
5. View in daylight
· If you have to attend a first viewing when it is dark and like the house or flat, try and arrange a second viewing during the day before putting in an offer.
· If you have viewed the property in the day and want a better idea of what the area is like in the evening, arrange a second viewing later in the day.
This will give you an idea of how light the property is at different times of the day, how loud the neighbours are and what the neighbourhood is like after dusk.
6. Book multiple viewings
Another viewing of a property after the first look can help make sure that you know exactly what you are getting for your money and that you do not miss any potential issues.
It also gives you the chance to ask the agent or owner any specific questions that you have after looking around the first time and to negotiate on price if needed.
7. Check for damp
Buying a house that has damp?
Get a full survey to make sure that there are no serious underlying structural issues. Consider asking the vendor to resolve the issues before you agree to buy, or find out how much it would cost to rectify and negotiate a reduction in the asking price.
Damp is a big concern regardless of whether you are looking to buy or rent a property, simply because it may illustrate more fundamental problems.
Signs of damp include:
· A musty smell
· Peeling wallpaper
· Bubbling paint
· Mould or dark residue on the walls and ceiling
If you suspect that the property suffers from damp it need not be a deal breaker but should definitely be an issue you raise with the agent and investigate further.
Any cracks or signs of subsidence may indicate a much more serious problem with the property, so make sure you look out for these too.
8. Test the property
When you are looking around a flat or house, do not be afraid to test the fittings and fixtures.
Check the following:
· The windows open easily
· Locks are fitted on external doors and windows
· The level of loft insulation
· There is suitable water pressure throughout
· The shower and taps work
· The wiring and electrics
Although you may feel awkward testing things in this way, any issues you spot at viewing can either be fixed before you move in or be used to negotiate a reduction in price.
9. Think about space
An empty flat our house will always look bigger than a fully furnished property, so you need to check that there really is enough room.
· Check the storage space; are there built in wardrobes in the bedrooms, or would you need to have space for a wardrobe in each room?
· In the kitchen, are the white goods built in or would you need to use vital space for a fridge, washing machine or dishwasher?
· Is the cupboard space enough to fit all of your pots, pans and crockery?
· Would your bed, sofa, dining table and drawers all fit comfortably, or would you be blocking radiators and sockets?
You can take this a step further by taking a tape measure with you to check if your furniture would fit comfortably in each room.
10. Get the camera out
Taking lots of photos or a video is a great way of ensuring that, should you miss something, you can check again without arranging another viewing.
It also means that you can look back at the property and compare it to others you have seen in your own time without the pressure of going around with an agent.
However, make sure you ask before you start snapping. Although letting agents and estate agents will not usually have an issue with you taking photos, if the owner still lives in the property it is only polite to check.
11. Question everything - take a list
Do not be afraid to ask questions, whether you are looking to rent or buy you will be parting with a significant sum of money and you are well within your rights to have your questions answered.
Here are some questions you should ask the agent before you sign
Why is the property available?
Hopefully the answer will be something that is not related to the standard of the property. For instance, if the current residents are looking to move because they have out grown their home then consider if you would be in the same position if you moved in.
QHow long has it been on the market?
QHow many viewings have they had?
QHow long did you live here?
QWhat are the neighbours like?
QIs there a neighbourhood watch scheme?
QWhat is the local traffic like?
QWhen is the noisiest time of the day?
QHas the property ever been burgled?
QHas there been any recent improvement work on the property?
QAre there any issues that I need to know about?
QHow far is the property from local amenities?
QAre there any management charges?
QWhat is the local parking situation?
QWhen was the last time the boiler was serviced?
QHow old is the wiring and central heating?
QHow old is the roof?
Q Is the property on a water meter?
QWhat is the council tax band?
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