Viewing a House - Tips

anotheruser

We're heading out to view a house next week.

It's a great house that meets our needs but what sorts of things should I be doing? I already have things like plug sockets and ariel connections on my mind but is there anything else?

We'll be simply looking at where our things could go and working out how wide the doors are, without a measuring tape but I have a feeling we'll miss a lot.

Do we show that we're keen? Or is it poker face sort of stance?

Thanks

marksoton

anotheruser wrote: »

I already have things like plug sockets and ariel connections on my mind but is there anything else?

Those are your major considerations!?

davidmcn

I would leave the details for a subsequent visit.

Mojisola

anotheruser wrote: »

We'll be simply looking at where our things could go and working out how wide the doors are, without a measuring tape

If the width of the doors is that important to you, why aren't you taking a tape?

brodawel

davidmcn wrote: »

I would leave the details for a subsequent visit.

Yes same here. On the second viewing you can check things like phone signal, condition of boiler or whatever. Second viewing is always different and usually I'm pleasantly surprised. Personally I never do poker face, I tend to appear quite impressed, I hope they will treat my stingy offer more seriously if they know I like it rather than a time waster who is just trying their luck. Ask lots of questions, even awkward ones can be asked with a cheeky smile.

duggan1

Use the first viewing to get a general impression, this will help you decide if you want to go back. If you are interested always go back, preferably at a different time of day and if possible when the vendors are there. Always look in the attic, and don't be afraid to ask questions. In my recent experience sellers tend to be very helpful and refreshingly honest (more so than the agents understandably).

michelle2008

It really depends what is important to you (can't just be sockets!!)

First viewing is about a general feel for the property - try and see the flaws. Open cupboards - look at the boiler (where is it , is it old), are there any damp patches, how new is the kichen/ bathroom.

Look over the garden fence and check out what exactly you would be living next door to. Talk to the neighbours if you see any loitering about.

Good luck!!

WeAreGhosts

Plug sockets? Really? They're always in the wrong place, and they're not exactly a deal breaker!

My mind is usually on whether the property looks structurally sound, are there are worrying damp smells or patches, any signs of the roof leaking, do the neighbouring houses look like Steptoe lives in them, does the property value up in comparison to others on the street ... etc, etc ...

I've viewed about 15 houses so far and I can't remember ever noticing in any of them where the plug sockets were, or thinking about aerial points

Davesnave

anotheruser wrote: »

Do we show that we're keen? Or is it poker face sort of stance?

You'll have to be yourself, warts and all, I'm afraid.

If you try to be someone else, you'll soon forget who you are while you're calculating the width of doorways to fractions of a pencil, or seeking out that errant double socket behind the sofa.

anotheruser

marksoton wrote: »

Those are your major considerations!?

No, but the major things like where the house is located, what state the house is in, local schools, transport links, supermarkets, internet speeds - I would have thought all those are obvious things to look at.

I was more getting at whether there is anything else, slightly less obvious that I might not think about.

If one of the above (or others) is a sticking point, we wouldn't be bothering to view the house...

Mojisola wrote: »

If the width of the doors is that important to you, why aren't you taking a tape?

Because I wouldn't want to seem presumptuous.
It's likely the doors would be wide enough because of the type of house it is, but I've seen stories and known people who have had to take windows out to get things in and out of the house.

Cakeguts

I always look at the roof first. It's a big expense to replace a roof so if it isn't in very good condition the inside of the house would have to be in a very good state to compensate.