Viewing a property can be an overwhelming process. It is easy to be
swept away by the first impression, without checking the practicalities.
Lindsay Braddick, from Webbers Fine & Country, gives her advice on
what to look out for when viewing a property.
Prepare for your viewings. Make a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘wants’. For example, “it‘must have’ parking for two cars, three bedrooms and two bathrooms and in an ideal world we ‘want’ a large kitchen/dinner with an island”. When viewing a property, it is easy to forget something very important, like parking, when you fall in love with the the rest of the home. A checklist will help you avoid this common mistake. However, you should be flexible; often we show clients a‘wild card’ property and it turns out to be their dream home. Lookout for the right things.
Check for central heating, damp, exposed wires and structural defects (i.e. cracks in the walls). Are the rooms big enough for your needs? Does it have enough storage space? Will you have to spend any money doing up the kitchen or bathrooms? In addition to internal factors, look at the condition of the brickwork or render. Is there any evidence of cracking?
Look at the condition of the roof and the windows and check for double glazing.Often people forget to check the position of the home; are there any neighbours overlooking the property? Which way does the garden face? Ask your agent the right questions. Estate Agents have a legal responsibility to tell you the truth, so don’t be shy. You may like to know how long the property has been on the market for or if there has been a price reduction.
Ask about broadband strength, damp, woodworm, plumbing and if there has been issues with the neighbours in the past.
Many people say they know if they want to buy a home as soon as they walk in, however, it is important to take your time and use your head.
Prepare for your viewings. Make a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘wants’. For example, “it‘must have’ parking for two cars, three bedrooms and two bathrooms and in an ideal world we ‘want’ a large kitchen/dinner with an island”. When viewing a property, it is easy to forget something very important, like parking, when you fall in love with the the rest of the home. A checklist will help you avoid this common mistake. However, you should be flexible; often we show clients a‘wild card’ property and it turns out to be their dream home. Lookout for the right things.
Check for central heating, damp, exposed wires and structural defects (i.e. cracks in the walls). Are the rooms big enough for your needs? Does it have enough storage space? Will you have to spend any money doing up the kitchen or bathrooms? In addition to internal factors, look at the condition of the brickwork or render. Is there any evidence of cracking?
Look at the condition of the roof and the windows and check for double glazing.Often people forget to check the position of the home; are there any neighbours overlooking the property? Which way does the garden face? Ask your agent the right questions. Estate Agents have a legal responsibility to tell you the truth, so don’t be shy. You may like to know how long the property has been on the market for or if there has been a price reduction.
Ask about broadband strength, damp, woodworm, plumbing and if there has been issues with the neighbours in the past. These are all things that you have a right to know about. And most importantly, if you fall in love with a property, view it more than once.This is an expensive decision and if you intend to live in this property for along time, it needs to work for you and your family’s needs. So although it maybe tough, try to first think with your head rather than your heart.
For further advice on buying or selling a property visit https://www.fineandcountry.com.