First time viewing properties

Nanao_2

The viewings went well today, first two vendors seemed very friendly, and we got lots of general information about their homes and so on, what their plans were. The last one seemed like she was rushing us through the house quickly though, maybe she had done this many times already? These are only the first in I know what would be, many properties that we'll be viewing, so we can always go back if it makes our shortlist.

Thanks again everyone!

googler

Nanao wrote: »

The last one seemed like she was rushing us through the house quickly though, maybe she had done this many times already?

...or she was even more nervous than you?

Procrastinator333

Do some research before you go.

Use google street view on RM to work out the house number if you can. Combine that with sold prices from houseprices.co.uk.

You can then see if their price is realistic. E.g. If a similar house opposite sold Dec 2007 for the same money, but this one is on for 15% more, that is a bit odd. Prices are lower than at that time. So there must be something very special to justify the price. Or they are just hopng they get lucky and someone who has never done a viewing comes along and acts on impulse and just buys.

Also, use property bee (google it). This will give you some indiciation of how long it has been on the market and any changes to the advert of late. Useful to know if it has been on for 6 months and dropped the price twice, or if it just came on last week. You do need to take PB with a pinch of salt, it has it's limitations, but it is more useful information.

Then just don't rush, unless you are after 1 specific street / house type, there will always be more and just take you time.

Most importantly, assume everything the EA tells you is a lie or half truth.

Good luck!

neverdespairgirl

Doshwaster wrote: »

Buying a house is what you want not what your friends and family want. It's your decision. I wouldn't even think about taking parents (especially mine!) on a first viewing. Or second for that matter.

I agree that you don't need a crowd.

I don't see anything wrong with taking a parent along, though. When we were seriously considering buying 4 years ago or so, my OH and I saw a couple of places together, and when he was otherwise engaged, my mother saw two with me.

PasturesNew

I'd have been horrified if I opened the door to conduct a viewing and I had a mob. Especially if the mob started splitting up etc. There was one couple who turned up to mine and as soon as the door was open 2" some wild feral brat started trying to shove his way in. I told them "no kids" ... I meant "not yours". He put the wife in the car with the ferals......

gnimia

I'm an Ftb, and found it really useful to see everyhting in the area, for a first viewing, on my own. If I thought it had potential, then I took the folks for the second. My Dad's in the building trade as well, so that cut out taking a builder as well
If the person you are moving in with is going to be a lodger, rather than a partner/co-owner, I think their opinion is less important... you shouldn't be swayed by their view on the decor, or the layout etc, as its your money and debt, not theirs!

Doshwaster

gnimia wrote: »

I'm an Ftb, and found it really useful to see everyhting in the area, for a first viewing, on my own.

Yes, it's a good idea for a FTB to see lots of houses. Viewing houses takes practice - learning what to look for, what questions to ask and what to ignore. Look at different kinds of places - especially if you aren't sure what you are looking for. Look at places at different prices levels - above and below your budget - this helps get a feel for the market and what £10k more buys you. Look at some locations that you might not be too keen on - you may be surprised. Use several different agents, some you will feel you can trust others you cannot - a good relationship with the EA can save huge amounts of hassle and stress.

Don't worry about wasting the EA's time - you aren't paying for it.

jockosjungle

Have a good look at a decent number of properties, see what your money can buy. The house we are about to exchange on I dismissed initially until we'd seen other properties and saw what a nice well kept place it was for the money.

Don't take a lot of people with you, just the people who will live there. If it is someones house and five people turn up, they'll follow you around and think you are stealing stuff. Every time someone asks a question they may think you are distracting them