Viewing a house can be exciting but daunting.
You could be looking at the property you’ll be living in for the next decade or more.
When viewing a house, there are certain things to pay attention to and mistakes to avoid.
We previously posted a house viewing checklist, but this blog takes a more in-depth look at our top house viewing tips.
1. Go with someone else
It’s often best to bring someone else with you to a house viewing. A second opinion can be crucial.
They might think of questions that you forgot, or they could spot problems that you missed.
You’re also less likely to feel pressured when someone is with you.
Perhaps the estate agent tries to commit you to making an offer. Or you could start revealing more than you should with no one else to talk to.
2. Ask the right questions
Asking questions is an essential part of viewing a house. You shouldn’t be afraid to raise your concerns.
Even if the estate agent doesn’t have the answer, they can let you know later on. A few examples of questions to ask include:
- Why are the owners selling?
- How long has it been on the market for?
- Are there any offers?
- Is any furniture or appliances included?
- What are the neighbours like?
- Which local amenities are in the area?
These details are all significant. Some impact your negotiation on price, while others affect your living experience once you move in.
3. Be thorough with the smaller details
Attention to detail is critical when you view a house. The owner will stage it to look completely perfect.
But underneath the decoration, there are usually issues that I’ve been covered up.
Don’t rush through the viewing. Pay attention to the smaller details that all weigh into your decision. This might include:
- Storage space
- Which way the house faces
- Cracks in the paintwork or walls
- Number of plug sockets
- How large the rooms are.
It’s worth noting all these smaller details. If you get stuck between several properties, these things can make all the difference.
Ask about the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. This will affect your monthly bills and whether you can let it out.
4. Check the boiler
You should check the boiler to see what condition it’s in. If it’s over 12 years old, many experts suggest it’s coming close to its expiry.
Ask whether there’s a history of leaks or damage to the unit. This is one of the most crucial features in a house that ensures it functions smoothly.
Even if it’s not the most glamorous of details, you can’t skip over it.
5. Pay attention to the surrounding streets and houses
Arrive at house viewings 15 minutes early allows you to look around the surrounding streets and get to know the neighbourhood.
If you see lots of derelict properties, unkempt front gardens or high levels of noise, this will affect the house value. And litter, graffiti, smashed glass, etc., could indicate it’s a high-crime area. You should also research the area’s crime rates and other information online.
Selling a house in a bad location later on could be challenging.
If you’re particularly keen on the location, see if any other properties are nearby with a ‘For Sale’ sign. This gives you a second option if the current viewing doesn’t work out.
6. Don’t give too much away
You should be careful what you say in front of the estate agent.
If you reveal too many details, it could weaken your negotiating position or cause them to think you’re not a viable candidate.
Don’t indicate the urgency of your timeframe or your budget’s precise limits.
7. Take pictures if you can
Ask the estate agent for permission to take photos. This is invaluable as it allows you to review the property objectively further down the line.
Memories can often become blurred, and you might exaggerate certain parts.
If you find yourself debating between several different properties, photos give you evidence of the features each one has.
You’ll also be able to show these pictures to people who aren’t at the viewing but will be affected by the sale.
This could include family members you live with. But it might also be friends whose opinion you want.
8. Don’t view too many properties at once
When you view too many houses on the same day or weekend, they can blur together.
This impacts your judgement and makes it challenging to make a measured choice. Give yourself a couple of days between each viewing.
9. View the house more than once
There’s no rule saying that you can only view a property once. The more you view it, the more likely you are to spot issues.
Viewing the house several times also allows you to develop rapport with the estate agent.
You could learn more details about the sellers. And multiple viewings allow you to bring loved ones who didn’t attend the first time.
