For many of us, buying a house is the biggest investment we will ever make. Getting it right is extremely important, so here are some top house viewing tips to follow before making an offer.
View it as many times as you need
On average, people visit a house two to four times before putting in an offer. Visit the property as many times as you feel you need to and always visit more than once, no matter how much you may love it the first time.
Be prepared
You will no doubt have looked at an estate agent’s particulars prior to viewing, so write a list of any questions you have before a viewing. Once you are in the midst of a viewing, it can be easy to forget.
Study the property
Examine the house from the outside to look for any problems with the roof, issues with the brickwork, or old and worn windows and doors. When viewing the interior, look out for signs of damp. A damp smell, patches on the walls, white deposits on brickwork and peeling wallpaper can all be signs of damp.
Check the building’s structure
Look out for signs of structural concerns during a viewing, including big cracks in the walls or ceilings. Ask the seller or estate agent about any issues you spot.
Prior to exchanging on a property, it is worth investing in a home buyers report. This is a survey that investigates whether a property has any problems that will require future repair. A home buyers report cost can vary from £400 to £1,000, according to the HomeOwners Alliance. The survey is conducted by chartered surveyors, which you can find through concierge services such as Sam Conveyancing, and can help to avoid costly repairs being uncovered after you move in.
Explore the extension potential
If you are visiting a house with a view to extending it in the future, check that there is suitable scope for extension. It is also wise to check the planning history. You can search online to find all planning applications that have been made for a property, including ones that have been turned down. If applications have been turned down in the past, it may be that you will face the same problems.
Find your direction
Whether a home is north- or south-facing can have a big impact on how much sunlight it will get at different times of the day. Taking a compass with you is an easy way to check this. A south-facing garden is an attractive selling point for many.
Check the local area
Find out as much as you can about the local area, either r before or during your house viewing. You may want to consider nearby schools and their Ofsted ratings, amenities, transport links, and crime statistics. Check the sold prices in the area too, as this will indicate how yours compares and what can be achieved if you plan to do any renovations and/or refurbishments.
There is so much to think about when viewing a potential new home. Ask lots of questions, visit as many times as you feel necessary, and make sure you are fully informed and happy before making an offer.
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