Viewing ist house

mac123

Hi

I am a first time buyer and am viewing several houses in the midlands next week.

Having never viewed a property to buy before, what are the main things to look out for in a 1/2 hour viewing?

Also, what should i expect the estate agent to say to me with regards to an offer, if we like it, mortgage applics etc!!

Just don't want to seem like a complete amateur and get taken over by a pushy agent!!! Any tips, suggestions and people experiences would be appreciated!!

Cheers

Mac

bridiej

Hi Mac

I'd say the first visit to a property is usually the one where you either fall in love with a place or hate it!!

I'd go with your gut instinct to start with, have a good look round at the size of the rooms and garden (if you want a garden) to see if it really is practical for you. Chances are you'll walk into a house that just "feels" right!!

If you really like a place the best thing to do is visit it again, on the second viewing you need to look out for things like dodgy wiring and DIY, possible damp, busy roads, that sort of thing.

Also, if you are seriously contemplating buying a house it's a good idea to visit the area at differing times of day so you can check out traffic volumes, whether there's restaurants or pubs nearby and the noise you may hear etc.

Hope this is some hope and good luck!!

loanranger_4

Any pointers for what you should be looking out for on a third viewing ?

And when you do know you've had enough viewings ?!

Z

bridiej

Never got as far as a third viewing!!

I've either fallen in love with a place and gone back just to make sure, or hated it and not bothered!!!

divadee

The best advice is have your mortgage and finances in place before you start looking, this gives you a bit more bargaining power to the seller, as you can then give a quick sale.

The first viewing tends to be ruled by your heart wether you love it or hate, the second viewing you have to think with your head and be more practical and look at things a lot more carefully.

Ask questions like whats the council tax band?, wether its freehold/leashold (as most flast are), if it is leashold how much are the maintenance repairs and ground rent charges. Ask if thet have been broken into at all, or car broken into.

Make sure you have solictor already picked out, so you can get onto it straight away if you do make an offer and it has been accepted. Keep good friends with the agent so they let you know of any new things coming onto the market first.

And finally dont be down-heartened if you dont find your perfect place straight away. It can take time and effort to find your ideal home.