Viewing a Property: Questions You Should Be Asking
[lead]One of the biggest mistakes people make in life, never mind just viewing a potential home, is not asking enough questions. There’s no shame in being too careful![/lead]
We’ve put together a handy guide which lays out all the points you should start to consider when viewing a property. Of course, not everything will be relevant if you’re renting, so you can pick & choose which bits apply to you. However, you may be joining the property ladder at some point in the future. It’ll do no harm to get to grips with these vital questions so that you’re an expert when it comes to making the jump!
First things first
To begin with, you should ask about the interest so far and how long your desired property has been on the market. You don’t even need to wait till the viewing to do this, your estate agent should be able to give you an initial idea when you first make the call. This will help you gauge a general feel for the property before you’ve even stepped foot in the door! However, remember that there are various reasons a property doesn’t sell straight away – and they might not all be bad ones. What’s perfect for one homeowner, is far from perfect for another.
Motivation for the move
Get a sense of why the current tenants or owners are looking to move. If they’ve not lived there for very long then that could throw up red flags. On the other hand, if they’ve got a new job to get to or a baby on the way, it could help to speed things along further down the line. Residents who have been there for years are a good sign that the place has made a nice home, but this could indicate the need for more inspection in terms of structural problems and long-term damage. Make sure you ask if the property is part of a chain, and if so, what the specifics are!
Repairs and restoration
Don’t be shy to ask about recent work done to the property. It’s also wise to have sneaky little checks for things like damp and funny smells. We understand how awkward it can be to get too nosey when an owner is showing you around their house, but remember – this could be your future home! It’s worth asking if the building is listed, as this will have a big impact on what you can and can’t do to change it, and what the previous owners have refrained from altering.
Beyond your four walls
What is the neighbourhood like? The property itself isn’t the only thing to consider during a move. You’ll need to know how the surrounding area is going to make or break your new life. Finding out about nearby schools if you’ve got little ones, and looking up transport links can really help you to figure out how your family is going to settle in. What are the local amenities like? Work out your priorities – whether it be a nearby pub, a large supermarket or a picturesque park – and see if the property’s location matches up.
Quick tip: Visit the property and its surrounding areas at different times of the day, including rush hour.
Borrowing a cup of sugar
Everyone’s favourite question after a big move: what are your neighbours like? Try and get a feel for the community (or perhaps, lack of), and weigh up whether you think you can fit in. Some people love to be gossiping over the fence, whilst others prefer solitude. Ask the current owner or tenant how they get on with the next-doors!
The boring bits
There are a few things that are utterly dull, but super important, to bear in mind when viewing a property. In terms of finance, have you checked all the details through with your mortgage provider? Find out about the average running costs of the property, and what council tax band it falls under. Will the previous owners/tenants be leaving any white goods behind, or any other furnishings? If not, make sure to include these in your budget when adding the figures up, or arrange to get your stuff shipped over.
Get snap-happy
Ask the current dweller if you can take some pictures in each room (unless the property is empty of course). This will not only refresh your memory if you want to compare the place to other viewings, but it’ll make it easier to work out how your current furniture will look inside. Looking back over the photos with a coffee after the viewing could also trigger your memory of things you may not have noticed at the time.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned mortgagor or just looking to rent for the short-term… it always pays to be prepared when viewing a property. We understand first-hand just how exciting it is to get the chance to nosey around your future home. However, it’s important not to let the prospect of a bigger living room or a gravelled driveway mask your vision of the smaller details.