It’s an investment of a lifetime, therefore it’s essential to know everything you can about the house prior to purchasing it.
Being prepared to ask the right questions at a property viewing can be an excellent way to gather crucial information to aid you in making an informed decision on buying.
The length of time the property has been on the market for and how long the current owners have resided there for are excellent questions to find out the answers. A house that’s been on the market for some time may have some hidden flaws or be a good way of getting a reduced price. In addition, neighbors can affect the value of a home so remember to find out what their experiences are, as you don’t want to regret moving after a few months. If the current owner has faced any problems and is legally bound to inform you when you ask.
In this article, we reveal the 10 most important questions you can ask an estate agent when searching for houses for sale near me.
The checklist for house viewing explains all the questions you’ll need to be asking yourself as you consider the possibilities of your dream home.
What’s the first thing to do when visiting a house?
If you are looking at a home the first thing you should think about your first impressions of the property.
Make sure you arrive early for your viewing and spend some time outside the property, considering things such as:
Noise from homes of neighbors
Street traffic
The condition of the property’s exterior, including the roof
What should I look out for while walking through a house?
While walking through a property during a viewing it is important to look for the following signs:
The signs of damp include cracking paint, peeling wallpaper, or mould
Evidence of subsidence include cracks in walls, or sagging floors
The plumbing issues can be as simple as poor water pressure
Electrical issues, like damaged wiring, or old sockets
Window materials of poor quality could reduce the efficiency of energy
There is no central heating system.
A fresh look in decorating could be concealing a problem
What should you not do when you are looking at houses?
Do not get too emotional on a viewing.
A home purchase is an emotional process, however, it’s crucial to concentrate on the practicalities of the property before you go to see it for the first time.
Other things you should be wary of during a viewing of a property include:
Confirming to the agent of the seller that the property is your dream home
Doing anything that is disrespectful to the property or its decor
Negotiating on price with the agent
Bring along pets
How many times should I look at houses before I buy one?
It is recommended to visit a home at least as many times as you think you have to prior to deciding to purchase.
In a bustling market that has a lot of buyer activities, you must look at a property at least twice in advance of making an offer.
It’s likely that you’ll be more emotionally involved with the house you’ve just had the pleasure of view, and you’ll miss potential issues.
A second, third, or even a fourth or fifth viewing provides the possibility to:
Look more closely at your property’s condition
Take a look at the practical aspects and consider how they can benefit you.
Invite other family members, friends or tradespeople for another perspective
Check out the property and the surrounding area at various times of the day
Be sure to measure up, so you’re certain that your things will fit in the home
Things to consider when buying the house
There are plenty of questions to ask the estate representative of the seller on a viewing, including:
1. Why is the property being sold?
Knowing why sellers are moving could give you an idea of how quickly they need to move.
Perhaps they’re moving for work reasons and need to have moved to a new area by a certain date.
Or perhaps they’re testing the water by putting their house for sale and aren’t at all in a rush to sell.
Understanding these points will give you an excellent indicator of how willing the sellers are for an offering.
2. How many years have they had it since it came on the market?
A property that has been available for a long period of time may possibly indicate issues or it’s being sold at a premium.
The sellers could also be more willing to accept making a lower bid if they’ve been unable to sell for months.
3. Are there any offers?
It’s important to establish how much interest there is in the properties you’re looking at.
If a property had offers but these have been rejected, you may face increased competition therefore you may need to shell out more to secure it.
If a property not received much attention or interest, you could have more time to look at 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 the estate agent representing your seller about any major renovations that have been carried out, who was the person who carried out the work and whether there are any assurances.
You should also ask about planning permission , and whether this was correctly obtained at the time of sale by the sellers.
If the work was completed without the planning consent required This could result in a major impact on you in the event that you decide to purchase the property.
5. Are the sellers able to find another property?
If the homeowners of the residence you’d love to buy are in the process of finding their next home, this can affect the speed at which you can move.
Finding out how long the chain of ownership will likely to last can assist you in deciding which property is best for you.
6. How many times has the property been sold?
A property that has a lot of different owners in a brief space of time could be an indicator of red flags.
Many owners may indicate problems with the property, the neighbours, or even the neighborhood.
Inquire with the estate agent about how long the current owners resided in the property . Then try to find out about how long the prior owners lived there.
7. What’s included in the sale?
Even before a first visit it is helpful to get an idea what else will come with the selling of the property.
Are all fittings and fixtures be kept? Will the sellers bring the greenhouse or garden shed with them when they sell?
8. Does the house has internet connectivity via fibre?
Connectivity has never been more vital, so get what broadband internet speeds are at the house you’re viewing.
Rural homes sometimes suffer from slower speeds, due copper cables rather than fiber optic cables. Therefore, consult your agent when you’re in need of a super-fast internet connection.
9. Are you sure that the boiler is fully maintained and how old is it?
Boilers can be one of the most expensive appliances to replace, so be sure to determine the frequency the boiler in the house you’re interested in has been serviced.
A boiler that is not working properly could be cause for concern, inquire with the agent regarding the age of the property’s hot and heating systems, too.
10. Are there any problems about the neighbours?
Sellers are legally bound to report any issues with neighbours if asked and you should inquire from the agent whether there’s been any problems.
Your complete house viewing checklist
There are lots of things you need to think about when viewing a property to purchase and this list can help you:
1. Property exterior
What is the property’s general exterior condition like?
Are there major cracks in brickwork, pointing or render?
What state is the render in?
Are there any missing or cracked roofing tiles?
Are the chimney’s solid and straight?
How is the condition of the gutters and downpipes in?
Are the facias in good shape?
Are the windows wooden or uPVC and what condition do they appear to be in?
What kind of condition can the plant be in?
Does the garden function as a useable space?
Are you able to overlook the garden of neighbouring homes?
Are there large trees in your garden? the vicinity of neighbouring properties?
Are there any signs of invasive plants, such as Japanese Knotweed?
2. In each of the rooms
Are switches and light fittings in good condition and do they function properly?
What is the general style?
What state are carpets and hardwood floors in?
Are there any signs of mould or damp?
Do the walls have significant cracks?
Do you have enough storage?
Can neighboring homes be directly visible through the property?
Do doors and windows have the correct opening and closing?
Are the windows double-glazed and in good shape?
Are the radiators working?
Do you have enough plug sockets?
3. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures
Do the taps function and the basins/sinks drain?
What is the pressure of water?
Are the hot water taps heat up sufficiently?
Do the toilets flush and fill correctly?
4. Kitchen
How many fixtures, accessories and appliances are included in the property after it’s transferred?
Are the cabinets and drawers in good condition and do they open and close?
Do the taps work ? And is the sink able to drain?
Do built-in appliances all work properly?
Does the kitchen have enough storage?
Are there enough counter space to cook food?
5. Living room
How much natural light does the living space get?
Does it feel warm and inviting?
Are the walls or ceiling have a texture?
Does the fireplace function?
Do you have enough space to accommodate your furniture?
Is there room for a TV?
6. Bedrooms
Do you have enough room for a big bed?
Do you have any built-in storage?
Is the space big enough to accommodate a wardrobe as well as a cabinet of drawers?
Are the blinds or curtains included with the property?
7. General questions
Does the property include off-road parking?
Does it have working alarms for fire and burglar?
Does the coverage of mobile phones good inside and outside?
Does the property have any development potential?
Are the lofts accessible? And is it suitable for storage?
Is the property located in a conservation area or does it belong to a listed structure?
How is your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?
How busy are the roads in the morning and on weekends?
How reliable are transport links nearby?
Is the property close to services like shopping?
How do the schools perform within the catchment zone?
8. Concerns when purchasing flats
Do you think the flat leasehold is a separate freehold part of a shared freehold?
How long are the remaining years on the lease?
Does the length of time remaining on the lease impact your prospects of getting a mortgage?
What is the cost of the annual service fee?
Is there a ground rent due and what is the amount?
The person who is accountable for communal areas?
Does the property include a parking space?
Do you hear any noises coming from nearby flats?