Guide to House Hunting
Thinking about buying a house? It's a big deal, so you want to be sure you're making the right choice. That's why asking the right questions when you go to check out a house is super important.When you're looking at a house, you want to know as much as possible about it before you decide to buy. Asking questions during the viewing can give you a lot of helpful info to help you make up your mind.
Rob Smith, who's in charge at Ellis & Co, says asking about how long the house has been on the market and how long the current owners have lived there can tell you a lot. A house that's been up for sale for a while might have some hidden problems, or you might be able to get it for a lower price. Plus, it's good to ask about the neighbors too. You don't want to move in and then find out you don't like the people next door!
In this guide, we're going to break down the ten most important questions you should ask the person showing you the house. And we'll give you a checklist to make sure you don't forget anything when you're checking out what might be your new home.
First Impressions Count: Checking Out the Outside
When you first see the house, take a good look at the outside. Is it noisy? What's the traffic like? And don't forget to check out the condition of the outside of the house, like the roof.
Inside Scoop: What to Look for Indoors
When you go inside, keep an eye out for any signs of problems, like dampness or cracks in the walls. You'll want to make sure everything works too, like the plumbing and electricity.
Stay Cool: What Not to Do During the Viewing
It's easy to get excited when you're looking at potential new homes, but try to stay calm and logical. Don't get too attached right away, and definitely don't start haggling over the price during the viewing.
Repeat Views: Taking Another Look
It's a good idea to visit the house more than once before you decide to buy. You might notice things you missed the first time, and it gives you a chance to really think about whether it's the right place for you.
Questions You Should Ask
➤ Reason for Sale: Understanding why the seller is putting the house on the market can give you clues about how quickly they want to sell and whether they might be open to negotiating the price.
➤ Duration on the Market: If the house has been listed for a long time, it could mean there are issues with it or that the seller is willing to negotiate on the price.
➤ Previous Offers: Knowing if there have been any previous offers on the house can help you gauge how much competition you might face and how quickly you might need to make an offer.
➤ Property Renovations: Finding out about any renovations done to the property and whether they were properly permitted can help you understand its history and any potential problems.
➤ Seller's Next Move: Knowing the seller's plans for moving can give you an idea of when you might be able to move into the property yourself.
➤ Ownership History: If the property has changed hands frequently, it could be a sign of problems with the house or the neighborhood.
➤ Included Fixtures: Clarifying which fixtures and fittings are included in the sale can prevent misunderstandings later on.
➤ Internet Connectivity: Checking the internet connectivity can ensure that the property meets your modern technology needs.
➤ Boiler Condition: Assessing the condition and age of the boiler can give you an idea of any future maintenance costs you might face.
➤ Neighborhood Relations: Knowing if there have been any disputes with neighbors can help you anticipate any potential issues you might encounter if you move in.
Our checklist makes sure you don't miss a thing when you're checking out a house. From the outside to each room inside, it covers everything you need to know.
Extra Tips for Flat Hunters
If you're looking at flats, there are some extra things to think about, like how long the lease is and whether there are any extra charges for things like maintenance.
Moving Made Easy with Removals Zone: Don't forget, Removals Zone is a moving home company that can help with the moving process. Book a service with us and you'll get an extra 30 minutes of service for free! That's right – a little extra help to make your move even smoother.
In a nutshell, asking the right questions and being thorough when you check out a house can help you find the perfect place to call home. So, take your time, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts. Happy house hunting!
Next Article
