A house purchase is an investment of a lifetime, therefore it’s crucial to learn everything you can about the property prior to purchasing it.
The right questions to ask at the day of a property inspection can be an excellent way to gather important information that can aid you in making an informed choice when buying.
The length of time the property has been listed for sale and the length of time that current sellers have been there are excellent questions to find out the answers. A property that has been listed for a long time could have an undiscovered negative, or be a good opportunity to get a lower cost. In addition, neighbors can be the difference between a new and house, so be sure to inquire about their status in case you wish to regret making the move several months later. If the owner of the property has faced any problems and is legally bound to inform you when you inquire.
In this article we will discuss the 10 most crucial questions you should inquire of an estate professional.
Our checklist for viewing houses will help you answer all the questions you’ll have to ask yourself while looking around the possibilities of your dream home.
What’s the first step to take when you are looking for houses for sale near me?
If you are looking at a home, the first thing you need to think about your first impression of the house.
Be there early for your viewing and then spend time on the property, thinking about things such as:
The sound of neighbouring homes
Street traffic
The state of the exterior of the building and roof, including the condition of the roof
What should I be looking for in a home?
When you visit the property during a viewing it is important to look for the following signs:
The signs of damp include the peeling of wallpapers, blistered or cracked paint, or mold
Subsistence signs, such as cracks in walls, or flooring that is sagging
Problems with plumbing, for example low pressure in the water
Electrical issues, like damaged wiring, or old sockets
Windows of poor quality can impact the efficiency of energy
There is no central heating system.
New decor that may be hiding a problem
What are the things you should not do while looking at a house?
Do not get too emotional watching a film.
The process of buying a house is a stressful process however, it’s crucial to concentrate on the practical aspects of a home when you’re viewing it for your first time.
Other items to avoid when you are viewing a home include:
Confirming to the agent of the seller you are the owner of the one you want to live in
Refusing to respect the property or its interior
The negotiation of price with the agent
Pets are welcome to accompany you
How many times should I go to see the house prior to buying it?
It is recommended to visit a home at least as many times as you think you have to prior to deciding to purchase.
Even in a market that is busy that has a lot of buyer activities, you must look at the property at least two times prior to making an offer.
You’re likely to be more emotionally involved with the property you’re visit, which means you may overlook potential problems.
A third, a second, or even fourth view gives you the chance to:
Pay attention to how the house is in good condition
Take a look at the practical aspects and evaluate how it can benefit you.
Bring other family members or tradespeople for an additional opinion
Explore the area and property at various time of the day.
Take measurements, so that you are sure that your items will fit into the space.
Things to consider when buying the house
There are plenty of questions to ask the estate agent of the seller during a viewing, such as:
1. What is the reason why the property is being transferred?
Knowing why sellers are moving will give you an idea of the time they’ll need to relocate.
Maybe they’re moving due to work reasons and require to be relocated to a new location within a specific time.
Perhaps they’re trying to test the waters by putting their house for sale and aren’t in any hurry to sell.
Knowing these factors will give you an excellent idea of how open the sellers might be in response to an offer.
2. How many years have they had it since it was first introduced to the market?
A home that’s been listed for a long period of time may be a sign of trouble or it’s priced too high.
Sellers may be more willing to accept an offer that is lower in the event that they’ve been unable sell for a long time.
3. Are there any offers?
It is important to determine the amount of interest in the properties you’re looking at.
If the property you are considering has received offers, but they have been turned down, you could be in the middle of a crowded market, and might have to pay more to secure the property.
If a property been viewed by few people it could be worth your time to think about it and go to more viewings without having to worry that others are interested too.
4. What has been the work done in the area?
Contact the estate agent of your seller about any major renovations that have been completed, who did the work, and if there are assurances.
It is also advisable to inquire about planning permission , and whether it was obtained correctly from the vendor.
If the work was done without the necessary planning permission it could have an impact on your purchase should you decide to buy the property.
5. Are the sellers able to find an alternative property?
If the owners of a home you’d like to purchase are still looking for their next residence, this may affect the speed at which you can move.
Knowing how long the chain of ownership will likely to last can aid you in deciding whether the property is suitable for you.
6. What is the number of times that the house has been sold?
A home that has many different owners within a short period of time can be an indicator of red flags.
Many owners may indicate an issue with their property, neighbours, or even the neighborhood.
Find out from the agent about how long the current owners have resided in the house and then seek out the amount of time that prior owners lived there.
7. What’s included in the purchase?
Even at the first time you visit it is helpful to know what else is expected from the selling to the owner of the home.
Are all fittings and fixtures remain? Are the sellers planning to take the greenhouse or garden shed with them when they leave?
8. Does the house has fibre-optic internet?
The importance of connectivity has never been so crucial, so learn details about the broadband speed on the home you’re looking at.
Rural homes can experience slow speeds due to copper cables rather than fibre optic cables. So consult your agent in case you need a super-fast connection.
9. Are the boilers fully serviced and is it in good condition? How old is it?
Boilers are one of the most expensive appliances to replace, so make sure to determine how often the boiler at the home you’re looking at has been maintained.
A boiler that is old could be a cause for concern, therefore, ask the agent about the condition of the house’s hot and heating systems, as well.
10. Are there any problems with your neighbors?
Sellers are legally required to disclose any disagreements with neighbors if they are asked by the agent, so make sure to inquire with the agent if there are any concerns.
The complete checklist for viewing your home
There are a lot of factors you should consider when looking at properties to purchase and this checklist will help:
1. Exterior of the property
What is the property’s general exterior condition like?
Are there major cracks in the brickwork, pointing or render?
What state does the rendering have?
Are there any damaged or missing tile on your roof?
Are the chimney’s walls solid and straight?
How is the condition of the downpipes and gutters in?
Are the facias good?
Are the windows made of wood or uPVC and in what condition do they appear to be in?
What state does the yard currently have?
Does the garden function as a space that can be used
Does the garden get overlooked by neighboring homes?
Are there trees that are large in your garden? Or in the vicinity of neighbouring properties?
Do you see any evidence of the invasive plant species, like Japanese Knotweed?
2. In every room
Are the light fittings and switches in good working order? Do they work?
What is the general design?
What state are carpets and hardwood floors in?
Do you see any indications of mould or damp?
Do the walls have significant cracks?
Do you have enough storage space?
Do neighbouring homes have direct lines of sight to the property?
Do doors and windows shut and open correctly?
Are the windows double-glazed and in good shape?
Are the radiators working?
Do you have enough sockets for plugs?
3. Plumbing and bathrooms
Are the taps working and do the basins/sinks drain?
What is the pressure of water?
Do hot water faucets get hot enough?
Are the toilets flushed and fill correctly?
4. Kitchen
Which fixtures and fittings, and appliances are included in the property after it’s being sold?
Are the drawers and cabinets in good shape and can they shut or open?
Are the taps working and do the sink drain?
Are built-in appliances working properly?
Do you have enough kitchen storage space?
Are there enough counter space to prepare food?
5. Living room
How much light can the living space get?
Does it feel warm and inviting?
Are the ceiling or walls are textured?
Does the fireplace function?
Are there enough space for your furniture?
Do you have room for a TV?
6. Bedrooms
Do you have enough room for an extra bed?
Are there built-in storage facilities?
Does the space have enough room to accommodate a wardrobe as well as a the chest of drawers?
Are the blinds or curtains are included in the property?
7. General questions
Does the property have off-road parking?
Does it have working alarms for fire and burglar?
Does the coverage of mobile phones excellent both inside and out?
Is the property a development potential?
Can the loft be accessed and is it suitable for storage?
Is the property located in an area of conservation or are you looking at a listed structure?
How is your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?
How busy is the highway in the morning and on weekends?
What are the best transport connections close to you?
Are you able to find the property near shopping and other amenities?
What is the quality of the schools within the catchment zone?
8. Concerns when purchasing flats
Does the leasehold comprise a flat or part of a shared freehold?
What is the remaining time in the lease?
The number of years remaining on the lease impact your chance of getting a mortgage?
What is the cost of the annual cost of service?
Is there a ground rent due and what is the amount?
The person who is accountable for the communal areas?
Does the property have parking?
Do you hear any noises coming from neighboring flats?
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