Master the art of property viewings like a professional

Looking for the perfect home can be a daunting task and stressful time. To make things easier for you, we’ve gathered some essential tips on what to consider when choosing properties and how to maximise your viewing experience. The first step towards buying a new home is to determine your borrowing power.

Your professional mortgage adviser will explain how much you are able to borrow towards a property purchase, and will also explain the other costs such as legal fees and surveys you need to consider.

HOME-BUYING CHECKLIST

To help you narrow down your search, use a home-buying checklist to identify what’s important to you. Consider your three to five must-haves for your new home, such as the number of bedrooms or off-road parking. When deciding on these deal breakers, think about your future plans – do you hope to start a family or have pets? It’s important to keep an open mind during your search.

There may be hidden gems that fit your criteria in neighbourhoods you haven’t considered yet. And remember, you might end up realising that your dream home wasn’t exactly what you were originally looking for.

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Before visiting properties, it’s important to do your research. Take a good look at the online photos and floor space, and read the descriptions carefully to ensure they meet your needs. Price is also a crucial factor. To determine if it’s a fair price, property websites can provide information on selling prices of houses in the same area and how often they are sold. This can help you make an informed decision and identify any potential issues.

REMEMBER, LOCATION IS KEY!

Driving through the area at different times and days is also recommended. This will allow you to discover local facilities such as transport links and schools while keeping an eye out for traffic that could affect your daily commute or other factors such as sewage works or flight paths. Checking online for crime rates, broadband speeds and planning permissions available on local council websites can also be helpful in making an informed decision. Remember, when it comes to property – location is key!

SHARE IN THE VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Viewing properties is an exciting moment, but it’s important to remain objective. Consider bringing along a trusted family member or friend who can share in the experience and offer a second opinion. You may also want to take photos (if the property is still lived in, be sure to check with the agent/seller) so that you can compare properties later on. Additionally, don’t hesitate to visit multiple times because you’ll be surprised at what you notice the second, third or fourth time around.

CAREFULLY EXAMINE THE CONDITION

When viewing the property, take your time and spend around 20 to 30 minutes inside and outside. Don’t feel rushed! Carefully examine the condition of the property because it’s better to discover loose tiles, broken light fittings or cracks now rather than later.

If there are any warning signs like a musty smell, sagging floors, peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint, there might be dampness issues that need to be addressed. It’s important to consider if this is something you and your budget can handle.

UPDATING CAN BE EXPENSIVE

During your viewings, imagine your favourite colour on the walls, but keep in mind that updating the kitchen and bathroom can be expensive. Similarly, furniture and storage solutions come with costs as well. Think about making the garden your own, too.

Does it face in the right direction to catch sunlight? Are there any trees that could block natural light? These are all important things to consider when viewing a property.

HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK AT EVERY PROPERTY YOU VIEW:

• How long has the property been on the market?
• How long have the current owners lived here, and why are they selling?
• Is this property in a chain? This could affect how long it takes to complete and if there’s a chance the sale could fall through.
• How many viewings have there been? Many viewings mean greater interest, but no offers could indicate a problem.
• What’s included in the price?
• Are there any serious issues with the property?
• Are there any management fees to pay on the property, such as shared garden upkeep fees?
• What type of boiler does the property have, and when was it last serviced?
• What are the neighbours like?

With these tips, hopefully you will feel much more prepared.

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisers are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.