Viewings

inkie

We are wanting tobuy a second property (family will be living in it) and have got viewing booked for this Saturday. Our current home we bought from new and so never had to do any viewings as it was the first house we saw.
Looking for advice one tips on what to look out for when viewing - we are looking at traditional older terraced houses.
Any advice appreciated to help us spot any potential issues. Thank you

JigglyPug

Are you looking at houses that need doing up or for something that your relative could move straight into?

Especially in a terrace, I would be looking for things like damp, whether it needs a new roof, whether it needs rewiring, how old the boiler is etc. If it's rendered, look to see if there are any cracks or holes in it. I'd also be checking windows (are they double glazed? Have any of the units blown? If they're the original wooden sashes then are they in good condition or do they need replacing/reclaiming?) and whether there is central heating throughout or just in a few rooms. Check whether neighbours have access through the garden - this is quite common with terraces.

TBagpuss

Adding to the above I'd say look at things such as decor - you can disregard syle as you can redecorate, but if the decor appears old and tired then that may suggest that other things such as electrics etc are also old and/or haven't been updated (it may not -some people are simply not that bothered abotu decor but may still be on top of maintenance, but it can be a clue)

If there is just one or two freshly painted areas this may indicate painting over a problem such as damp stains, so notice and be prepared to ask questions.


Look at things such as how easy (or not) it is to park, and consider things such as the proximity of any schools (very close may well mean people prking over your driveway / queues to get in/out of the road at school times etc) pubs and so on.

hazyjo

tbh, I'd only look deeper if I actually liked it. Some things on paper are horrible in the flesh. If you walk through the door and both (presumably 2 of you) like it, then look at it properly. Go round each room again if you want.


Remember to look up and down. I always forget flooring, and never think to look at ceilings as I'm always too busy looking at the middle bit!


Second viewings are often for a far more indepth viewing.


Jx

anto164

Also simple things such as looking as to whether doors fit properly, and have a look outside to see whether there is cracking anywhere. something to think about but isn't always true, if it has a bay window, have a little bounce to see whether the floor is bouncy, if so, then likely that the timbers need replacing underneath which all adds cost. Other things to look at is for whether it has an alarm box on the front - if not, you may want to install an intruder alarm, other than that, look past kitchen fittings and furniture as you can change as you live in the house, and try to picture what you may want in there and whether there will be enough space in the rooms for you. Something also simple but try to see the house in the daylight.

One thing also, take a few steps back when outside of the property and look at the joining properties, if the houses are in good condition and there are no mess in the front, then that suggests that there could be alright neighbours. Have a little walk or drive around the road and it'll give you an idea as to what the neighbourhood is like.

Cakeguts

Have a look to see if a wall has been removed to make the staircase open plan. Many years ago I viewed a property where someone had done this and not put in anything to support the floor upstairs. The sellers had taken down a supporting wall in the kitchen to open up the staircase. Terraced houses where the stairs used to go up the middle of the house also sometimes have the stairs moved.

CathA

Not necessarily on a first viewing, but definitely on a second, check the windows open ok. Might sound daft, but one house I bought had a window that nearly fell out when I opened it as it was only attached by one hinge! The reveals were full of spiders, eggs and dirt, the owner said she'd never opened it in the time she lived there and she'd been there 12 years!!

inkie

All really helpful thank you
We've got 4 viewing booked in for sat and will be doing a thorough job as its for daughter and son in law who live 200 miles away and so will be taking video as well. As they can't be with us. We hope to take them on any second viewings
We don't mind kitchen to do and decor etc...

hazyjo

inkie wrote: »

We've got 4 viewing booked in for sat and will be doing a thorough job as its for daughter and son in law who live 200 miles away and so will be taking video as well.

I'd not view more than that in day, they start blurring into one and you forget things.

Also, don't presume you can video. Many vendors would be horrified or suspicious. Some don't even like photos. (Yes, I know they're on the website, but it was presumably an EA who took them, not a stranger off the street. People are often wary of strangers in their homes taking pics or filming!) Politely ask and explain why, but expect some nos. Actually, I'd not even put them on the spot, I'd check with the EA first.

Jx