Are you looking for a new home? If so, it is important to make sure that the house you choose is the right one for you. Before committing to buying a new property, there are certain questions you should ask yourself and the seller or estate agents when viewing a house. Doing your due diligence before signing on the dotted line can help ensure that your purchase will be an informed decision. Here are some of the top questions to ask when viewing a house before making an offer, in no particular order.
Why is the owner selling?
When trying to decide whether to buy a home, it is important to understand why the owner is selling. While there may be any number of reasons as to why a person may want or need to move, understanding the motivations behind the sale can provide valuable information and context.
Ask questions about why the owner is motivated to sell, such as if they are relocating for work, downsizing after a life change or looking for an investment opportunity. This knowledge can help potential buyers make an informed decision during the negotiation process and possibly lead to better terms for both parties.
What are the biggest selling points of the house?
When considering the purchase of a house, it is important to take note of what makes this particular property stand out from others. Is its location close to amenities such as shops, local schools, restaurants or parks? Are there any good transport links? Does it feature pleasing exterior architecture? Is it spacious and well appointed on the inside with modern appliances and custom finishes? Taking a careful look at these unique selling points can help you decide whether or not making an offer would be beneficial for you.
Are there any significant repairs needed right away?
Being aware of any significant repairs that need to be done right away is vital when it comes to properly budgeting before closing. This can range from something as small as replacing a broken window to a complete overhaul of the roof. Taking into consideration all of these matters ahead of time will help ensure that you have the resources set aside for the necessary repairs and that you are able to make informed decisions on the best course of action for your home or property.
How long has the owner lived in the property?
Asking how long the owner has lived in the property can provide insight into a number of factors. If the owner has lived in the home for a long time, this may indicate that they have taken good care of it and kept up with regular maintenance. On the other hand, if they haven’t been there very long, it could be an indication that they are looking to leave quickly due to financial or personal reasons.
How long has the property been on the market?
Another important question to ask your estate agent is how long the property has been on the market.
If the property has been on the market for an extended period of time, it could be an indication that there may be a problem with the house or simply that buyers are not interested in making an offer. Asking this question can help you better understand how marketable the property is and potentially lead to negotiating a better deal if needed.
Are there any issues with parking or traffic?
It’s important to ask about any potential issues with parking and traffic when viewing a property. Depending on where your new home is located, these factors may have a significant impact on your quality of life and day-to-day routine. If parking or traffic concerns exist, it’s best to decide if they are tolerable before making an offer.
Are there any restrictions or covenants associated with the property?
Before finalising a purchase on a property, it’s important to understand any potential restrictions or covenants that may exist. These can range from limiting what types of activities can be done on the property to prohibiting certain modifications and more. Knowing about these issues ahead of time will help you make an informed decision as to whether or not this is the right home for you.
What is the local area like?
It’s also important to get a sense of the local area and what it has to offer. Are there good schools nearby? Is the neighbourhood safe and friendly? What types of amenities can be easily accessed in the vicinity? These are all questions that should be asked when viewing a potential property in order to determine if it meets your needs.
What’s the water pressure like?
Water pressure is an important factor when it comes to making sure all appliances have sufficient flow. Ask the current owner or your estate agent what the water pressure is like at the property, as this will give you a better idea of how comfortable it would be to live there.
How hard is the water?
Hard water can be detrimental to the longevity of plumbing fixtures and appliances. It is therefore important to ask about the hardness of the water at a property in order to determine if this could become an issue down the line.
How much roughly will the utility bills be?
It’s not uncommon to be unaware of what the average monthly utility bills will be in a new home. Asking the current owner or estate agent for an estimate on the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and council tax can help you budget accordingly before making an offer.
You might also want to ask about their energy performance certificate or find out on which council tax band the property is registered.
What’s included or not included in the sale?
When viewing a property, it is important to ask what is and isn’t included in the sale. This will help you better understand exactly what you are getting for your money and ensure that everything you expect to be included in the purchase agreement is accounted for.
For example, the sellers might decide to include or not the garden shed.
How old is the property?
The age of the property is another important factor to consider before purchasing. Older properties may require more maintenance and repairs, while newer ones tend to be more efficient. Knowing the age of a potential home can help you make an informed decision about its longevity and long-term value.
Are there any other problems that you should be aware of?
It is always a good idea to ask the seller or estate agent if there are any problems with the property that you should be aware of. This could range from structural issues, to plumbing and electrical problems, to pest infestations and more. Knowing about these issues ahead of time can help you better assess the value of the property before making an offer.
Have the sellers found a new property?
It’s important to know the answer to two critical questions when you are viewing a house: have the sellers found a new property, and is there a chain? By having these details it will help you understand the urgency of the situation and plan your bid accordingly. In addition, any chain involved may create complications in the sale process that could potentially hold up proceedings. Asking these questions will help you maximize your chances of success when making an offer for the property. Furthermore, it ensures that no unexpected events occur during negotiations. .
Is the property leasehold or freehold?
Another important question to ask when considering a property is whether it is leasehold or freehold. Freehold properties are owned outright and the owner has full rights, whereas leasehold properties are usually subject to certain conditions imposed by the landlord. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed decision about which type of ownership best suits your needs.
How are the neighbours?
Having good neighbours is an important part of living in a property, so it’s a good idea to ask the seller or estate agent about their opinion on the neighbourhood. They can provide valuable information on whether the area has a good community spirit and what sort of amenities are available nearby.
Have there been any major renovations done?
If the property has recently been renovated, it’s important to ask about the extent of the work and what was involved. This can give you a better insight into the condition of the home and whether there are any potential issues lurking beneath its surface that would require further attention.
Is the property listed in a conservation area?
If the property is located in a conservation area, it may be listed and therefore subject to certain regulations. It is important to be aware of this so that you don’t inadvertently do any work on the property that isn’t approved or cause other issues. Asking about this can help you determine whether there could be any restrictions that would affect your plans for the future.
Are there any service charges you should be aware of?
It is important to know if the property has any service charges you should be aware of, such as ground rent or maintenance fees. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you budget more accurately and understand any potential costs associated with owning the property.
Is there anything else I should know?
At the end of your viewing, make sure to ask your seller or estate agents if there is anything else you should know about the house before making an offer. This is a great opportunity to get a better understanding of the property and its potential benefits or drawbacks. Additionally, it’s a good way to find out if there any additional documents you should review before closing in order to make sure your purchase is fully informed.
Conclusion
Overall, taking the time to ask important questions when viewing potential properties can give you valuable insights into their condition and help you make an informed decision on whether they are right for you. Asking the right questions will also provide sellers or estate agents with a better understanding of what you are looking for in a home, allowing them to provide more specific information about the house that could be beneficial during negotiation.
If you’re still on the market to buy a house, check out our properties for sale.
