We are planning on viewing a few properties tomorrow and Saturday, then hopefully a second viewing next week..
What should we be looking for on the 1st viewing?
Then, what do we starting looking at on the 2nd viewing?
On paper the properties look in really good condition, and modern...
2beds ex-council houses £95,000
What kind of offers do we make?
What do we base them on? Can they be conditional, based on the surveyor
1st time buyers in need of some useful advice :)
ThanksViewing properties - Advice, Tips, %26amp; Help?
Location, location, location is and always has been the watchword. It is better to buy the worst house in the best street not the best house in the worst street. You can always improve a house, but the area is beyond your control. So beware that aspect.
Initial viewing is a once over of the street and the house. Check for prosperous neighbours, good quality cars in the street or road always shows an affluent area. Coffee shops and high end grocery stores is also a good sign. Schools are a consideration. You may not have a family or plan one but eventually it may be an issue so plan for that eventuality. Ask specific questions about Council tax rates, water rates and energy costs over the previous year(s). Ask about any residential problems the current owner has had, bad neighbours, local crime stats etc.
With regard to the house, this is the Initial viewing. Here its more important to be general. So is the interior layout a good fit for you. Does the house feel RIGHT. Most people know when they walk in the door that a house is right for them. Check the overall decor, are the walls well painted, papered. Does the kitchen have all the doors on the cabinets. Are the door handles a match throughout. Silly things put you off but look past the silly stuff and consider the overall picture. You can always negotiate a better deal if you do. Which depends on the circumstances as you find them.
With regard to the negotiations, concider carefully all aspects of the property. Think with your head not your heart. Its a business decision and the most important one you will ever make. It has the potential to earn you a fortune if done right and to cost you one if done wrong. Ask questions of your agent. Has there been other offers in the past that have been rejected. If so why. If there have been no offers how long has the property been on the market. If its not selling then why, whats wrong it maybe the price or there maybe a defect you are unaware of. Check these out before agreeing to purchase, use your agent thats their job and one they are well rewarded for. Make the sale conditional on a structural survey and haggle if a major problem is found that you can live with for a few months. If you are unable to live with one thats found during the survey you are paying for then WALK AWAY.
Good luck with the search. Beware of unscrupulous agents. Don't rely on information they provide, always check with the owner or make private enquiries if in doubt. The information is usually there you just have to find it.Viewing properties - Advice, Tips, %26amp; Help?
Just look for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or damp, anything that is visible without too much looking, if you make an offer on any property and the survey report comes back showing that works are needed or that the property is worth less that what is is being sold at then you can make a lower offer or stick to the original offer as long as the vendor does all the work needed to the property. Some mortgage lenders offer free valuations with certain products.
Make a list of characteristics that are important to you such as location, appliances, neighborhood safety and see if you can find a property that meets all of those conditions. Don't make an offer until you consult a real estate agent. It is good to have your own real estate agent so that they are not influenced by the seller.
You want to absorb as much as you can at each viewing. Look at the condition of the appliances and heating systems, newer is always better. And refer to your personal list of characteristics that you want your home to have. Hope that helps. Good luck.
Things to do:
First viewing is to see if you could (want to) live there
Ignore the furniture and decoration
Check out the neighbourhood as you approach
Stand outside for a short while before or after (and listen)
Look in all the rooms, open all the doors, and look in all the corners... basically take it all in
See if what you have will fit (rough guess!)
Check what will be included
The first viewing is just really to see if it 'fits' you don't need to go overboard
The second viewing is when you are happy with house in principal... now you look for damage, things that need changing / fixing / removing
Look at how much it will cost to get the house the way you want a home
On first viewing, decide if it is the type of house you want. Look for obvious damage / areas to improve. Then when you decide if you want to go ahead with a second viewing, make a list of things you want to check. If it not obvious, ask the estate agent. They have to be honest
Don't buy before you secure a home inspection by a qualified professional. They can uncover any problems you may not recognize immediately. And yes, the contract can be written with that condition.
First viewing, look all around the neighborhood. What does the house back up to? How much traffic is in the neighborhood. In what condition are the adjacent houses?
Visit any homes you like after work hours and on the weekends to see the community as it really is.
Remember, look at the basic house, not the furnishings or other cosmetic items such as paint colors, floor coverings, etc. Those can easily be changed.
Take pictures of everything, both the good and the bad. This will give you a record of what you liked after the tour is finished. Then, when decision time comes, ask a family member or trusted friend to come along with you to view the property you've selected. Get the opinion of someone with experience.
Good luck!
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