So you’ve decided to jump and made the decision to buy or rent, which means exciting times are on the horizon. Most property transactions will include a viewing, or it’s useful to so that you can assess whether a property is right for you before you make such an important decision.
Viewing a property sounds simple, but it’s good to get a check-list together so you can make sure you get the most out of each viewing. After all, they do take up quite a significant amount of time, especially if you’re going to see several properties. Being organised about what you’re prioritising will help you to secure the property of your dreams as soon as possible.
Which tips should you keep in mind when viewing your next property?
What’s the Deal?
Being clear about what’s included in a property transaction is good to get sorted when you go to a viewing. For example, when buying or renting, finding out whether the previous occupants are planning on including furniture or leaving any items behind. You might want some of them but the chances are that you won’t want them all, so working out if you’ll need to get ant items/furniture removed and factoring that into your negotiation or budget is wise.
Damage
Be vocal at a viewing if you come across any damage to any fixtures or fittings. You may be able to negotiate that these will be repaired before you move in. Whatever you do, make sure that the previous tenants are aware that you know there are damages and that you have concerns. This allows there to be action taken before a move-in deadline.
Check the working order of the appliances in the property – it might feel strange but it is worth doing your homework and checking white goods, as well as taps, showers, radiators etc. Gather information about servicing, appliance lifespan and ask occupants to organise any repairs. The same when it comes to phone lines and wi-fi too – the signal and speeds involved are crucial for good working from home conditions.
Useful Intel
Bearing in mind that if you’re buying a property then the sellers have got a vested interest in you buying it, take information shared with a pinch of salt about neighbours or the community. However, it’s well worth giving previous occupants a bit of a grilling about things like noise levels, parking, neighbours, safety in a community, local issues etc. Think of yourself a bit like a detective and the more information you can gather, the better!
Running Costs
Ask about council tax and average utility bills so that you can visualise what your budget will be if you do take on the property. If you’re renting, what do you monthly costs looks like when you include deposits and expenditure.
For any more tips and advice about buying and renting a property, or viewings, get in touch with our team at Home EA today for more help.
