The time you spend viewing a property and the information you uncover whilst there can be critical to inform your decision whether to buy the home or not.
Make every viewing count. Being prepared, taking your time and asking the right questions can help you decide whether the house is right for you. To help you along your way we have pulled together eight key questions to ask the estate agent whilst you are viewing a property.
1. What’s the seller’s position?
You can really uncover some nuggets of information asking this question. The seller’s position can influence a sale hugely. Their position can guide the offer you put forward and the timescales you move in. Finding out the seller’s position can give you leverage for negotiating. For example, if the sellers have found a home they like and want to move quickly, you could negotiate a lower offer on the condition you move quickly. Finding out what matters to the sellers will put you in the best position to offer and negotiate terms that appeal to them, making a deal more likely.
2. Have there been any other offers?
This question will reveal the level of interest the property has had. The length of time the property has been on the market and the interest it has received may indicate whether the sellers are open to negotiation. If the estate agent reveals there have been offers, you can delve a little further and find out if these were accepted or rejected. If accepted – why did the sale not go through? If rejected – why, was the offer too low? The better informed you are, the better position you are in for negotiating.
3. Which way do the gardens face?
This will show you where the sun rises and sets. The way the and sun falls on a house affects the room temperature and light of certain rooms within the house. Many buyers prefer a sunny south facing garden, but don’t discount north facing gardens either. They too can get the sun, it really depends on the position of the house and the surrounding foliage and buildings. Ask the estate agent if the gardens get the sun and roughly what time of day.
4. What are the neighbours like?
Is there a family living next door? Perhaps an older couple? Are there any issues with noise or anti-social behaviour? The estate agent has a duty to tell you of any known disputes between neighbours and if there have been any boundary issues or similar, so always ask the question.
5. Have any planning permissions been granted recently in the vicinity?
It is always worth asking this question in case there are plans in the area that could affect your purchase. If the agent does reveal that there is planning in the vicinity you can check the plans with the local planning office to see if they trouble you enough to prevent you from proceeding.
6. Has the property ever been flooded or is it at risk of flooding?
You don’t always have to live near a river or water course to be flooded. Blocked drains and how the land lies can both be causes of flooding so always ask if the house has been flooded or if any others nearby have been. It can be heart-breaking when a home is flooded, and it can have ongoing financial implications when home insurance premiums go up. Always ask this question even if the house doesn’t seem like it would flood.
7. Are you aware of any issues with services?
Depending on condition, some services may have to be updated or replaced. Enquiring into the condition of the plumbing, heating and electrics will give you an idea of whether this work needs to be done. If so, costs should be taken into consideration and maybe something you take into account when negotiating an offer.
8. Do you think we could improve or extend the home in time?
This may be your forever home and you may have no plans to move again, but it is always worth asking the estate agent their opinion on this as plans can change. Is there an opportunity to develop the property, what could add most value to a property in this location? This will depend on the local planning department but it is interesting to gauge potential. It is always good to know that you have the option to make money on your purchase.
Asking the right questions can help inform your decision to buy a house or not and help prevent any nasty surprises further down the line.
Why not see what homes we have for sale? https://www.alexandergibson.co.uk/harrogate-property-for-sale See something you like? Call us on 01423 563077, or email talk@alexandergibson.co.uk We’ll be ready for your questions
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