Buying a home is one of the most important and emotional decisions you will ever make. It can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be frustrating and expensive if you don’t know what to look for in a property.
However, with the proper guidance, you can buy the best property on the market, no matter your budget. Here are some tips to help you find your dream house:
Research the property and the area
The first step to house-hunting is to research the place and the area. This includes looking into the crime rate, average house prices in the area, and what the schools are like. By doing so, you can get a better idea of whether the house is a good investment.
Do a room-by-room inspection
When buying a house, you should never rush the inspection process. Always take your time to look at every room in detail, and watch out for any red flags. Use this house viewing checklist as your guide:
1) Interiors
When viewing a house, it’s crucial to scrutinise the inside. Check that light switches and power sockets work or that the wiring isn’t frayed and loose. Also, look for signs of dampness, mould or condensation, as these can be costly to fix.
If there are any cracks in the walls or ceiling, make sure they’re not bigger than 5 millimetres because you don’t want to be paying for repairs before you’ve even moved in. Finally, check the amount and location of storage – you don’t want to be struggling for space from day one.
2) Exteriors
External features are also essential to check when viewing a house. The walls and windows shouldn’t have any cracks, and it’s worth checking that the house has been properly insulated. Don’t forget to check the driveway and garage – there should be enough parking space for your cars, and the garage door shouldn’t be rusting or faulty.
3) Garden area
If the house you’re viewing has a garden, take some time to look at it. Is it big enough for your needs? Is it well-maintained? Are there any trees or bushes that need trimming? Look for eroded soil, bald spots, grass rings, or weed infestation, as these can all be problem areas for you later on.
4) Roof and ceiling
Another thing to check when viewing a house is the roof and ceiling. Ensure there are no leaks and that the roof is in good condition. There shouldn’t be any broken tiles or missing slates; otherwise, you could be in for some hefty repair bills down the line.
5) Plumbing
Finally, make sure to check the plumbing in the house. The taps should work properly, and there should be no continuous leaks in the pipes. The water pressure in the shower should also be strong enough for your needs. If there’s a bath in the house, make sure to test the water temperature – you don’t want to have to wait for ages for the water to heat up.
Talk to the seller and the real estate agent
Before you make an offer on the house, it’s important to speak with the seller and the real estate agent. They may be able to tell you about any repairs that have been carried out on the property or know of any other potential problems. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have, such as how much the council tax is and what the utility bills are like.
Take in the neighbourhood
When viewing a property, it’s also essential to consider the neighbourhood. Are there any schools or parks nearby? Is the area quiet and peaceful, or is it a bit of a dodgy community? By considering the neighbourhood, you can better understand what life would be like living in that area.
View the property multiple times
If you can, it’s always a good idea to view a property more than once. This way, you can better understand what it’s like to live there. You may also pick up on things you missed the first time around. When viewing a property, it’s essential to take your time and be prepared to ask questions. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re making a wise investment in your future.
Have a valuation survey done
Before you offer on a property, you should get a valuation survey done. This will give you an accurate estimate of the property’s value and help you negotiate a better price. For instance, if you find out through the survey that the property is overvalued – as in, it’s worth less than what the seller is asking for – you can use this information to your advantage and get the seller to reduce the price.
Hire property law experts
It’s a good idea to hire property law experts to help you with your purchase. This way, they can help ensure that everything goes through smoothly and that you’re not taken advantage of by the seller. You can never be too sure about property law, so it’s always best to be prepared.
So, these are some things you need to look for when buying a property. It’s essential to be as prepared as possible.
KMC Legal is a team of experts in property law who can help you throughout the property-buying process. If you need help with anything property-related, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
