Before the viewing
What shall I take to a property viewing?
Be prepared
Make sure you bring the following
- Torch. This is for getting into those dark corners. Look out for damp, rot and holes.
- Compass. Check the direction of the sun.Is it a south facing garden? What rooms get the sun in the morning and the evening? Get your compass out to double check! South facing gardens command a premium.
- Property viewing list. Create your own record sheet for each property to note down dimensions, comments and pros and cons of the property. This may seem a bit pedantic, but think how useful it will be after viewing 20 properties and trying to remember all the detail of the viewings.
- List questions to ask. Read our tips on viewings and get some questions ready to ask the vendor.
- Camera. make sure you ask the vendor’s permission to take any photos.
- Tape measure. Can the property fit in your king size bed and favourite sofa?
- Pen and paper. Make notes to jog the memory
Before you go and view the property, try to get yourself in an objective frame of mind.
- Look beyond the décor; do not be put off by garishly coloured walls or dodgy furniture. This is the cheapest thing to change. DO be aware of big cracks, damp smells, the roof, old boiler and electrics and rotting window frames. These can be expensive jobs to fix.
- Do not be wowed either by minimalist or trendy designer furniture. Remember you are buying the building and not the contents.
- Do not be afraid to be direct with your questioning. If you don’t ask you will never know, and you may end up missing a potentially expensive problem.
Read on for our tips and questions to ask for viewing all parts of the property.
