Buying a house is an investment that is huge, so it’s important to find out all you can about a house prior to purchasing it.
Being prepared to ask the right questions at the day of a property inspection can be a great way to get the most important details that can help you make an informed decision on buying.
How long has the home been on the market for and how long the current sellers have been living there is good questions to discover answers. A property that has been listed for a while could be hiding some hidden issues or be an excellent way of getting a reduced price. Also, neighbours can determine the success or failure of a home so remember to ask about their lives in case you have to be apprehensive about your decision months later. If the owner of the property has encountered any issues or issues, they’re legally required to let you know if you inquire.
In this guide, we reveal the 10 most important questions you can be asking an estate representative.
The checklist for house viewing covers all the important questions you’ll need to ask yourself while looking around the possibilities of your dream home.
What is the first thing to do when visiting the house?
When you’re looking for a property, the first thing you should take note of your first impression of the home.
Get there early to view the property and take some time to explore the property, contemplating issues such as:
Noise from homes of neighbors
Traffic on the street
The state of the exterior of the building and roof, including the condition of the roof
What should I search for when walking through a house?
While walking through the property during a viewing be sure to look for:
Evidence of damp may include broken wallpaper, blistered painting, or mold
Evidence of subsidence include cracks in walls, or sagging floors
Plumbing issues, such as poor water pressure
Electrical problems, such as exposed wiring or old sockets
Poor quality windows can affect the energy efficiency
There is no central heating
The new decor could be concealing a problem
What should you not do while viewing a home?
Don’t become over emotional when you watch a show.
Home buying is a stressful process however, it’s crucial to concentrate on the practical aspects of a property when viewing for an initial time.
Other things to stay clear of during a viewing of a property include:
Admitting to the seller’s agent that the property is the dream home you’ve always wanted
Disrespecting the property or its interior
Discussion of the price with the agent
Bring along pets
How many times should I go to see an apartment before purchasing it?
You should view a property several times as you feel you need to prior to deciding to purchase.
In a bustling market that has a lot of buyer activity, you must inspect the property at least two times before you make an offer.
It’s highly likely you’ll be more emotionally involved with a property on your first visit, which means you may miss any potential issues.
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A second, third or even a fourth or fifth viewing provides you the opportunity to:
Pay attention to your property’s condition
Examine the practical aspects and assess how well it can benefit you.
Invite other family members, friends or tradespeople along for an additional opinion
Check out the property and the surrounding area at various periods of the day.
Make sure you measure, so you can be sure the items you bring in the space.
Questions to ask before buying a house
There are plenty of questions that you can ask the estate representative of the seller on a viewing, including:
1. Why is the property being for sale?
Understanding the reasons why sellers are moving can give you a clear idea of how fast they need to move.
Perhaps they’re moving for work reasons and require to be relocated to a new location by a certain date.
Maybe they’re just looking to test the waters by placing their home up for sale, but aren’t at all in a rush to sell.
Knowing these factors can give you a great idea of how open the sellers could be towards an offer.
2. How long have they had it since it was first introduced to the market?
A house that’s been on the market for a long period of time may be a sign of trouble or it’s overpriced.
Sellers may be more open to accepting a lower price if they’ve been unable to sell for several months.
3. Do you know of any deals?
It is important to determine how much interest you have in the properties you’re looking at.
If a property had offers but been denied, you could have to contend with more competition and might have to pay more to secure it.
If a property had little interest or interest, you could have more time to contemplate it and attend more viewings without having to worry that others are interested also.
4. What kind of work has been carried out on the property?
Ask your seller’s estate agent about any major renovations that have been completed, who completed the work and if there are assurances.
It is also advisable to inquire about planning permission , and whether it was properly obtained by the seller.
If the work was done without the needed planning consent This could result in major consequences for you in the event that you decide to purchase the property.
5. Are the sellers able to find an alternative property?
If the homeowners of the house you’re looking at are in the process of finding their next home, this could influence the speed with which you can move.
Knowing how long the property chain will likely to last can help you decide whether the property is the right one for you.
6. What is the number of times that the house has been sold?
A property that has a lot of various owners in a relatively short amount of time could be an indicator of red flags.
A lot of owners might indicate that there is a problem with their property, their neighbors, or even the neighborhood.
Inquire with the estate agent about how long the current owners have resided in the property , and then seek out the time the before they lived there.
7. What’s included in the sale?
Even on a first viewing, it can be helpful to have a sense of what other features will be offered with the selling on the house.
What fixtures and fittings will be kept? Will the sellers bring the greenhouse or the garden shed with them when they leave?
8. Does the house has internet connectivity via fibre?
Connectivity has never been more crucial, so learn what broadband internet speeds are on the property you’re viewing.
Rural homes may experience slower speeds, which is due to copper instead of fiber optic cables. Therefore, talk to your provider when you’re in need of a super-fast internet connection.
9. Does the boiler have a full service and how old is it?
Boilers can be one of the most expensive appliances to replace, so it is important to find out the frequency the boiler in the property you’re viewing has been serviced.
An old boiler could also be cause for concern, and you should ask your agent about the age of the home’s hot and heating systems, as well.
10. There have been any issues with your neighbors?
Sellers are legally required to report any issues with neighbors when asked and you should ask the agent if there’s been any issues.
The complete checklist for viewing your home
There are lots of things you’ll have to take into consideration when looking at properties to buy and this checklist can help:
1. Exterior of the property
What is the property’s general exterior condition?
Are there any major cracks in brickwork, pointing or render?
What state are the rendered in?
Are there any damaged or missing tiles on the roof?
Are the chimney’s solid and straight?
What condition are the gutters and downpipes in?
Are the facias in good shape?
Are the windows wooden or uPVC and what condition is it?
What state can the plant be in?
Can the garden be used as a functional space?
Are you able to overlook the garden of neighbouring homes?
Are there trees that are large in your garden? neighbouring properties?
Are there any signs of an invasive plant, such as Japanese Knotweed?
2. In every room
Are the light fittings and switches in good shape and do they all function?
How is each room’s general design?
What state are carpets and Hard flooring?
Are there any signs of mould or damp?
Do the walls have big cracks?
Does each space have enough storage?
Can neighbouring homes have direct access through the property?
Do doors and windows are properly closed and opened?
Are the windows double-glazed and in good shape?
Are the radiators working?
Are there enough sockets for plugs?
3. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures
Are the taps working and do the basins/sinks drain?
How is the water pressure?
Do the hot water taps adequately heat?
Can the toilets be flushed, and then refill properly?
4. Kitchen
Which fixtures and fittings, and appliances come with the property after it’s transferred?
Are the cupboards and drawers in good condition and do they open/close?
Do the taps work ? And do the sink drain?
Are built-in appliances working properly?
Do you have enough kitchen storage?
Are there enough counter space to cook food?
5. Living room
How much natural light does the living area get?
Does it feel warm and inviting?
Are the ceiling or walls made of textured material?
Does the fireplace work?
Is there enough room for your furnishings?
Is there a place for a TV?
6. Bedrooms
Are there enough rooms for the bed of a huge size?
Do you have any built-in storage?
Does the space have enough room to accommodate a wardrobe as well as a dresser?
Are the curtains or blinds part of the property?
7. General questions
Does the property come with off-road parking?
Does it work? Does it have fire and burglar alarms?
Is the coverage for mobile phones good inside and outside?
Does the property have development potential?
Is the loft accessible and could it be used as storage?
Does the property belong to a conservation area , or are you looking at a listed structure?
How is your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?
How busy are the roads outside during rush hour as well as on weekends?
How do you rate the accessibility of transport in the vicinity?
Is the property located near shopping and other amenities?
How do the schools perform within the catchment zone?
8. When buying flats, do you have questions about the purchase?
Is the flat leasehold or an element of a shared freehold?
How long are the remaining years under the lease?
Does the length of time remaining on your lease affect your chances of getting a mortgage?
What is the cost of the annual service fee?
Is there a ground rent due and at what cost?
What is the responsibility of communal areas?
Does the property come with parking?
Can you hear noise coming from adjacent flats?