Viewing a House Checklist

A house purchase is an investment that is huge, so it’s important to find out the most you can about the house before purchasing it.

Being prepared to ask the right questions at the property’s viewing is an effective way to obtain key information that will aid you in making an informed decision on buying.

How long has the home been listed for sale and how long the current owners have lived there can be fantastic questions that can provide revealing answers. A property that has been on the market for a while could be hiding a hidden negative or could be a fantastic option to negotiate a lower cost. The neighbors can also make or break a new home, so it is important to ask about their lives since you don’t have to be apprehensive about your decision months later. If the current owner has faced any problems, they are legally obliged to let you know if you ask.

In this guide we discuss the 10 most crucial questions you should ask an estate agent.

And our house viewing checklist will help you answer all the concerns you’ll need asking yourself while looking around what might be your ideal home.

What’s the first step to take when you are looking at houses?

When viewing a house, the first thing you must think about your first impressions of the property.

Be there early for your viewing and then spend time on the property, thinking about things such as:

Noises from neighboring homes
Street traffic
The condition of the property’s exterior including the roof

What should I look for while walking through a house?

When you visit an area during a showing, you should look out for the following signs:

Signs of damp, including the peeling of wallpapers, blistered or cracked paint or mould
Subsistence signs, such as cracks in walls, or floor tiles that are falling
Plumbing issues, such as poor water pressure
Electrical problems, such as older sockets or wiring that is exposed
Poor quality windows that could affect the efficiency of the home.
No central heating
The new decor could be hiding a bigger issue

What should you not do while viewing a home?

Do not get too emotional watching a film.

The process of buying a house is a stressful process but it’s important to focus on the practical aspects of a property you’re considering viewing for an initial time.

Other items to avoid at a property viewing are:

Admitting to the seller’s agent you are the owner of your dream house
Disrespecting the property or its interior
Discussion of the price with the agent
Bring along pets

How many times do I need to look at an apartment before purchasing it?

You should visit a property as many times as you’re able to prior to making a decision to purchase.

Even in a crowded market and with lots of buyers activities, you must look at a property at least twice before you make an offer.

It’s likely that you’ll feel more emotionally attached to the property you’re inspection, so you might miss potential issues.

A second, third, or even fourth view gives you the chance to:

Pay attention to your property’s condition
Consider the practical elements and determine if it will benefit you.
Have other family members or even tradespeople to get another opinion
Explore the area and property at various times of the day
Measure up, so you are sure that you’ll be able to fit your belongings into the space.

Questions to ask before buying a home

There are a whole host of questions you need to ask the estate representative of the seller on a viewing, including:

1. Why is the property being sold?

Understanding the reasons why sellers are moving could give you a good insight into how quickly they’ll need to relocate.

Perhaps they’re moving for work reasons and require to be relocated to a new location within a specific time.

Or perhaps they’re looking to test the waters by placing their house on the market and aren’t in any hurry to sell.

Understanding these points can give you a great indicator of how willing the sellers are in response to an offer.

2. How many years has it been since it came on the market?

A property that has been listed for a long time could have a problem or indicate that it’s too expensive.

The sellers might also be more open to making a lower bid if they’ve been unable to sell for several months.

3. Do you know of any deals?

It’s crucial to know how much interest there is in any property you’re considering viewing.

If a property has already been offered but been rejected, you may have to contend with more competition and could have to pay more to secure it.

If a property been viewed by few people it could be worth your time to contemplate the property and take part in more viewings without the pressure of knowing other people are interested too.

4. What kind of work has been carried out in the area?

Ask your seller’s estate agent regarding major renovation work that has been completed, who did the work, and whether there’s any assurances.

You must also inquire about planning permission and whether it was properly obtained by the seller.

If the work was done without the planning consent required This could result in major consequences for you if you were to purchase the property.

5. Are the sellers able to find a new property?

If the owners of a home you’d like to purchase are in the process of finding their next home, this can determine how fast you’re able to move yourself.

Knowing how long the chain of ownership is likely to be can help you decide if the property is right for you.

6. The number of times the home has sold?

A house that has many different owners within a short period of time can be a red flag.

Many owners may indicate a problem with the property, its neighbours or the surrounding area.

Contact the estate agents to inquire how the current owners have resided in the property . Then attempt to determine the amount of time that previously owned by the property’s owners.

7. What’s included in the sale?

Even at the first time you visit it’s helpful to know what else is expected from the selling to the owner of the home.

Will all fixtures and fittings remain? Will the sellers bring the greenhouse or garden shed along with them when they relocate?

8. Does the house has fibre-optic internet?

Internet connectivity is never more crucial, so learn what broadband internet speeds are at the home you’re looking at.

Rural homes can experience slower speeds, due to copper rather than fibre optic cables, so ask the agent about this when you’re in need of a super-fast internet connection.

9. Is the boiler fully serviced and how old is it?

Boilers can be one of the most expensive appliances to replace, so it is important to find out the frequency the boiler in the property you’re viewing has been serviced.

An old boiler may also be cause for concern therefore, ask the agent about the condition of the property’s hot and heating systems, too.

10. Have there been any disputes regarding the neighbors?

Sellers are legally bound to highlight any disputes with neighbours if asked, so be sure to ask the agent if there’s been any problems.
A complete checklist of what to look for in a house inspection

There are numerous things you’ll need to consider when looking at properties to purchase and this checklist can be helpful:

1. Property exterior

What is the property’s general exterior condition?
Are there any major cracks in brickwork, pointing, or render?
What condition are the rendered in?
Are there any broken or missing or cracked tiles that are on top of the roofing?
Are the chimney’s solid and straight?
How is the condition of the downpipes and gutters in?
Are the facias in good shape?
Are the windows made of wood or uPVC and in what condition is it?
What state do you think the gardens are in?
Does the garden work as a useable space?
Are you able to overlook the garden of neighbouring properties?
Are there large trees in the garden or in the vicinity of neighbouring properties?
Are there any indications of invading plants, like Japanese Knotweed?

2. In each room

Are the switches and light fittings in good order and do they function properly?
What is the overall décor?
What condition are carpets as well as Hard flooring?
Do you see any indications of damp or mould?
Do the walls contain major cracks?
Does each room have enough storage?
Do neighbouring homes have direct lines of sight to the property?
Do windows and doors shut and open correctly?
Are the windows double glazed and in good condition?
Do the radiators work?
Are there enough plug sockets?

3. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures

Do the taps work and the basins/sinks drain?
How high is the water pressure?
Are the hot water taps heat up sufficiently?
Can the toilets be flushed, and then refill properly?

4. Kitchen

How many fixtures, accessories, and appliances are included in the property after it’s to be sold?
Are the drawers and cupboards in good shape and can they close and open?
Do the taps function and can the sink be drained?
Are built-in appliances working properly?
Does the kitchen have enough storage space?
Do you have enough space on your worktop to prepare food?

5. Living room

How much sunlight does the living room get?
Does it feel warm and inviting?
Are the walls or ceiling have a texture?
Does the fireplace work?
Are there enough space for your furnishings?
Is there room for a television?

6. Bedrooms

Are there enough rooms for an extra bed?
Does the device have built-in storage?
Is the space big enough for a wardrobe and chest of drawers?
Are the curtains or blinds included in the house?

7. General questions

Does the property include off-road parking?
Do you have working fire and burglar alarms?
Are the coverage and coverage for mobile phones excellent both inside and out?
Does the property offer development potential?
Are the lofts accessible? And can it be used for storage?
Is the property located in an area of conservation or does it belong to a listed building?
What is the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?
How busy are the roads at rush hour and on weekends?
How reliable are transport links near you?
Is the property located near services like shopping?
What is the quality of the schools in the catchment area?

8. Questions when buying houses for sale near me

Do you think the flat leasehold is a separate freehold or part of a shared freehold?
What’s the length of time left on the lease?
Could the number of years remaining on your lease affect your chance of getting a mortgage?
How much is the annual service charge?
Is a ground-rent payable and in what amount?
In charge of the communal areas?
Does the property include parking?
Can you hear noise coming from adjacent flats?