Tips for Buyers

Useful tips for buying a house
 

Buying a house is probably the largest purchase you will make, don’t rush it and allow plenty of time when you view a property.

 

• Try to make a list of the features that are important to you in a house before you start looking. You can categorise these into essential features (e.g. number of bedrooms) and desirable features but not essential. Refer to these lists when looking at properties to see how they match up.

 

• When looking at a house, try to imagine how it will look with your furniture and possessions in there, not the sellers. Check your furniture, especially large items such as sofas, beds and wardrobes will fit into the rooms. Do not be put off by poor decor, which can easily be remedied by a coat of paint and cleaning.

 

• Note the weather the day you view, it is often a good idea if you are seriously interested in the property, returning to view at a different time of day and under different weather conditions. Remember on a rainy day everywhere always looks less enticing, don’t be put off what maybe your ideal property.

 

• Gardens don’t always look well tended; imagine what you could do yourself. An untidy garden will often look smaller than it really is.

 

• Look at arrangements for car parking, will they meet your needs?

 

• Ask the vendor about bills and outgoings such as council tax, electricity, water and gas bills. Also if it is a flat ask about maintenance and service charges, these can be quite considerable. Ask about any guarantees for any recent work/new appliances you are shown.

 

• Don’t forget to look around at the neighbours and area and ask yourself will I feel at home here. Check out local facilities such as shops, schools, doctors, and local transport.