Questions to ask vendor

gazfocus

We're going to view a house on Saturday that we're really keen on (from photos and floor plan). The viewing is being done by the vendor.

I was just wondering if anyone could suggest some key questions to ask the vendor on the day as this is the first time I've ever viewed a house with the vendor present.

G_M

Best thing you can do is borrow a book(free) from your library on housebuying.

As well as tips on the Q you pose above, it will guide you through many other issues you have not yet considered.

gazfocus

G_M wrote: »

Best thing you can do is borrow a book(free) from your library on housebuying.

As well as tips on the Q you pose above, it will guide you through many other issues you have not yet considered.

Thanks G_M, I'll see if I can find something. I have bought a house previously but as said, never viewed with a vendor present before so it's a good opportunity that I don't want to waste

jimbog

Ask
What are the neighbours like? Any issues with them?
Are there any structural issues with the house that might show up on a survey?
How long have you lived here?
And maybe:
Why are you moving?

G_M

jimbog wrote: »

Ask
What are the neighbours like? Any issues with them?

Pointless. (Well, I suppose it's a harmless if unreliable conversation topic).

But you should always knock on the neighbours doors at some point before Exchange and find out for yourself!

They'll also tell you much more honestly what the street is like, the other neighbours, even things about the house you are buying!

As will the cornershop owner, the postie etc.

ac427

+1 for the structual issues question. The vendor and the estate agent have a legal obligation to let you know if there has been subsidence.

Take a camera or camera phone. You may feel a bit funny about viewing someones house, from an invasion of privacy perspective, remember you are paying a few hundred grand for it so make the most of the time.

You can review the photos later and with others. You miss a lot when vieweing houses. A second visit to go over things you night have missed is also a good idea.

If the vendor seems unsure or acts dumb on some issues make sure you get to the bottom of it rather than letting an issue go.

gazfocus

ac427 wrote: »

+1 for the structual issues question. The vendor and the estate agent have a legal obligation to let you know if there has been subsidence.

Take a camera or camera phone. You may feel a bit funny about viewing someones house, from an invasion of privacy perspective, remember you are paying a few hundred grand for it so make the most of the time.

You can review the photos later and with others. You miss a lot when vieweing houses. A second visit to go over things you night have missed is also a good idea.

If the vendor seems unsure or acts dumb on some issues make sure you get to the bottom of it rather than letting an issue go.

Thanks. The house is only 15 years old so not sure it will have suffered from any subsidence or structural issues. Additionally, the house has been recently extended (in 2005).

The idea of taking photo's on a camera phone is a good one so thanks for that.

electrodent

jimbog wrote: »

And maybe:
Why are you moving?

For me this is always the key the question to ask. You can get so much useful information from their answer.

jimbog

What you are doing in asking the structural or neighbour question is trying to minimise the costs of any surveys or legal work that may subsequent show it. Sure, they could lie but then again they may not. You might get a gut instinct from their response

Also, in your case, ask if the extension has been 'signed off' as meeting building regs. You can check on your council's planning website to see that it has planning permission

I_have_spoken

Which neighbours are 'swingers'?

Davesnave

gazfocus wrote: »

Thanks. The house is only 15 years old so not sure it will have suffered from any subsidence or structural issues.

People have come to this forum with structural issues on houses much younger than that. Faulty cement mixes would be an example.

While the chance of structural problems is much less on a recently-built property, do not assume that it can't happen.

Indeed, do not assume anything. Even things like underground springs can shift in a decade or so, creating problems where formerly there were none.