A house purchase is an enormous investment, which is why it’s crucial to learn all you can about a property before purchasing it.
Being prepared to ask the right questions at the property’s viewing is an effective method to gain the most important details that can help you make an informed decision on buying.
The length of time the property has been on the market and how long the sellers have been living there is great questions to get revealing answers. If a house has been listed for a long time could have some hidden flaws or be a great option to negotiate a lower price. In addition, neighbors can determine the success or failure of a home so remember to inquire about their status and you don’t want to regret your move several months later. If the owner of the property has faced any problems and is legally bound to disclose it if you inquire.
In this article we discuss the 10 most important questions to ask an estate agent.
This checklist of house inspections lists all the questions you’ll need to be asking yourself as you consider what might be your ideal home.
What’s the most important step to take when you are looking at a house?
When you’re looking for a property the first thing you should do is consider your initial impressions of the property.
Get there early to view the property and enjoy a few minutes outside the property, pondering things such as:
Noise from homes of neighbors
Street traffic
The condition of the property’s exterior as well as the roof
What should I be looking for in a home?
While walking through houses for sale near me during a viewing, you should look out for:
Evidence of damp may include peeling wallpaper, blistered paint or mold
Signs of subsidence, including cracks in walls or floors that are sagging
The plumbing issues can be as simple as poor water pressure
Electrical issues, like older sockets or wiring that is exposed
Poor quality windows that could impact the efficiency of the home.
There is no central heating system.
Fresh decorating that could be concealing a problem
What should you not do while looking at a house?
Don’t become over emotional when watching a film.
A home purchase is an emotional experience, but it’s essential to focus on the practical aspects of a property when viewing the first time.
Other things to stay clear of on a property viewing include:
Confirming to the agent of the seller you are the owner of the dream home you’ve always wanted
Doing anything that is disrespectful to the property or its interior
Negotiating on price with the agent
Pets are welcome to accompany you
How many times should I go to see a house before buying?
You should view a property several times as you’re able to prior to deciding to purchase.
Even in a busy market that has a lot of buyer activity, you must inspect properties at least twice before you make an offer.
You’re most likely to be more emotionally involved with the property you’re inspection, so you might overlook potential problems.
A second, third or even fourth view gives the possibility to:
Look more closely at what is happening to the building
Examine the practical aspects and consider how they will benefit you.
Take other family members or tradespeople for an additional opinion
View the property and area at various times of the day
Be sure to measure up, so you’re sure your things will fit in the space.
Things to consider when buying an apartment
There are many kinds of questions you should ask the estate agent of the seller during a viewing, such as:
1. What is the reason why the property is being to be sold?
Knowing why sellers are moving could give you a good idea of how fast they’ll need to be moving.
Perhaps they’re moving for work reasons, and they need to be moved to a new area before a specified date.
Or perhaps they’re looking to test the waters by placing their home for sale and aren’t in any rush to sell.
The reasons you can find out can provide you with a good insight into how open sellers could be for an offering.
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 priced too high.
The sellers could also be more willing to accept making a lower bid in the event that they’ve been unable sell for months.
3. Do you know of any deals?
It’s vital to determine the amount of interest in any property you’re considering viewing.
If a property had offers but been rejected, you may be in the middle of a crowded market, and could have to pay more to secure it.
Or if a property has had little interest then you might have more time to look at it and even attend more showings without having to worry that others are interested too.
4. What is the most recent work that has been completed in the area?
Find out from the estate agent for your seller about major renovation work that’s been carried out, who has completed the work, and whether there’s any guarantees.
Also, you should inquire regarding planning permission and if it was properly obtained from the vendor.
If the work was done without the required planning consent, this could have an impact on your purchase should you decide to buy the property.
5. Have the sellers found an alternative property?
If the homeowners of the property you’re interested in waiting to find their next residence, this may impact how quickly you’re able to move yourself.
Knowing how long the property chain will likely to run for can aid you in deciding if the property is right for you.
6. How many times has the property been sold?
A property with lots of different owners within a short period of time may be an indicator of red flags.
Many owners may indicate an issue with their property, its neighbours or the area.
Inquire with the estate agent how the current owners have lived in the property , and then look into the amount of time that previously owned by the property’s owners.
7. What’s included in the sale?
Even during a viewing, it can be helpful to know what else might be included in the selling of the property.
Are all fittings and fixtures remain? Will the sellers take the greenhouse or garden shed with them when they sell?
8. Does the property has internet connectivity via fibre?
It’s never so crucial, so learn what broadband internet speeds are on the property you’re considering.
Rural homes may experience slow speeds due to copper, not fibre optic cables, so consult your agent for those who require a fast connection.
9. Does the boiler have a full service and how old is it?
Boilers are usually one of the most costly appliances to replace, so make sure to determine the frequency your boiler in the home you’re looking at has been maintained.
An old boiler may also be a cause for concern, so ask the agent about the age of the property’s heating and hot water systems, too.
10. Are there any problems with the neighbours?
Sellers are legally bound to make clear any conflicts between neighbors, if requested for, so it is important to inquire from the agent whether there’s been any issues.
The complete checklist for viewing your home
There are a lot of factors you’ll need to consider when you’re looking at homes to purchase and this list can help you:
1. Property exterior
What is the property’s general exterior condition?
Are there major cracks in your brickwork, point, or render?
What condition do you think the render is in?
Are there missing or damaged tile on your roof?
Is the chimney solid and straight?
How is the condition of the guttering and downpipes in?
Are the facias in good shape?
Are the windows made of wood or uPVC and in what condition is it?
In what condition do you think the gardens are in?
Does the garden work as a functional space?
Do you think the garden is overlooked by neighbors?
Are there large trees in your garden? Or in neighboring properties?
Are there any indications of invasive plants, such as Japanese Knotweed?
2. In each of the rooms
Are switches and light fittings in good working order? Do they all function?
What is the overall décor?
What condition are carpets as well as hard flooring in?
Do you see any indications of mould or damp?
Do the walls have major cracks?
Are there enough rooms in each? storage space?
Do neighbouring homes have direct lines of sight into the property?
Do doors and windows have the correct opening and closing?
Are the windows double glazed and in good shape?
Are the radiators functioning?
Do you have enough plug sockets?
3. Bathrooms and plumbing
Do the taps function and the basins/sinks drain?
What is the pressure of water?
Are the hot water taps adequately heat?
Does the toilet flush and refill in a proper manner?
4. Kitchen
What fixtures, fittings, and appliances are included in the property when it’s sold?
Are the cupboards and drawers in good condition and do they close and open?
Do the taps work and can the sink be drained?
Are built-in appliances working correctly?
Do you think the kitchen has enough storage space?
Is there enough kitchen space to prepare food?
5. Living room
How much natural light does the living room get?
Does it feel warm and inviting?
Do the ceilings and walls have texture? are textured?
Does the fireplace function?
Is there enough room for your furnishings?
Is there room 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 the chest of drawers?
Are the blinds or curtains included in the house?
7. General questions
Does the property include off-road parking?
Does it have working fire and burglar alarms?
Does the coverage of mobile phones good inside and outside?
Does the property offer development potential?
Can the loft be accessed and can it be used for storage?
Is the property located in a conservation area , or are you looking at a listed structure?
Is the home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?
How busy is the road in the morning and at weekends?
What are the best transport connections near you?
Does the property have access to facilities like stores?
How well are the schools in the catchment area?
8. Questions when buying flat
Are the flat leaseholds part of the shared freehold or an element of a shared freehold?
What’s the length of time left by the lease?
Does the length of time remaining on the lease affect your likelihood of getting a loan?
What is the cost of the annual cost of service?
Is there a ground rent due and in what amount?
What is the responsibility of communal areas?
Does the property include parking?
Can you hear noise coming from nearby flats?
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