When viewing a property, it’s essential that you ask the right questions. Make sure you’re in the right frame of mind for the visit and are alert, this is a huge investment and mistakes will be costly.
5. Not getting sentimental
When going to view a house initially, try not to visualize the house as a home, but simply as a building that needs evaluating. Spend a good half hour viewing the property and take your time.
4. Always view in person
Never ever buy without seeing. Viewing a house at least three times (although of course ensuring not to upset the residents) is essential and will mean that you can find faults earlier. Do this at different times of day too.
3. Structure and Hairline Cracks
Look at building structure, look out for small cracks in the walls and make sure you ask questions – if you do spot anything, before being put off the house, try and get the opinion of a professional and this could lead to a price re-negotiation. Not spotting crucial flaws such as subsidence may well be problematic long-term. You may not be covered under your property insurance either.
2. Damp
Damp can be a big problem, and very costly to treat and remove. It can cause wood rot, mould and ruin wallpaper and flooring. You can smell damp even if you can’t see it. It may be worth noting that a heavily perfumed home could be a sign of the owner hiding something. Other cover-ups include paintings or furniture placed strategically to cover damp spots or rugs and non-fitted carpet.
1. Get a survey done
Getting a survey done is essential to avoid finding critical faults later on such as subsidence or structural instability. A mortgage evaluation is not a proper survey, it is to help mortgage providers and not the buyer. In Scotland you should ask the agent for a home report which have a survey included. This should reduce your property insurance quotes substantially.