Moving Home - A Viewer's Guide

If you are in the market for new property then you will no doubt be spending a good deal of your time on viewings!

The old adage first impressions count is never truer when looking at a prospective new home and you will probably be able to tell whether you like a property within a few minutes of being inside. It is often the case, however, that emotions take over and sometimes obvious, basic things that would normally start alarm bells ringing can be overlooked in favour of cosy surroundings and decor-ready living spaces.

For this reason it is always a good idea to take someone with you on a viewing who can offer an honest, objective and preferably business-like opinion. Another vital thing to take with you is a digital camera, very useful especially when viewing several properties.

Before you set out on your viewing appointment, write yourself a list of all the things you expect to get in your new home including practical factors as well as cosmetic features. When you get to the property, tick each item off one by one so that you can rate the house on your own scale and compare it to others you have seen.

Jumping back a step, before you even book your viewing appointment go and have a look at the exterior of the property, and fully check out the location. Add the following to your pre-view checklist:

1. What is the area like for noise and traffic morning, noon and night?
2. Where does the sun fall on the house at certain times of the day?
3. Look at the roof: are there any missing or broken tiles, broken guttering or crooked chimneys that would indicate lack of good care?
4. Look at any flat roofs. Has any water collected?
5. Are there any cracks in the external walls?
6. How is the external woodwork? Are there any signs of rot?
7. Are there any signs of mould or leaking overflows?
8. What is the parking situation?
9. What shops and services are nearby?
10. If you need them, are there good public transport links nearby?
11. How long would it take you to get to work?
12. Is there a bus stop, width restriction or street lamp directly outside the property that could be restrictive?
13. Is there any shared access that could cause issues with neighbouring property owners?
14. Check your mobile phone signal: can you make and receive calls in the vicinity of this property?

If you are happy with your pre-view criteria, then book your viewing appointment and get that list ready! Some of the factors you might like to add to this list are:

1. Can you handle the dcor until such times as you can get onto decorating?
2. Do the windows have locks?
3. What is the loft or basement space like?
4. Are there plenty of power sockets where you would expect them?
5. Is there gas and electricity or just electricity?

And some questions you could put to your prospective vendor are:

1. What Council Tax Band does the property fall under?
2. How often are refuse collections undertaken?
3. Is the water metered?
4. What are the average service bills per month?
5. When was the boiler and heating system last serviced? Is the paperwork available?
6. Are there any current building, plumbing or electrical work guarantees?
7. When were the windows and doors fitted? Are they still under guarantee?
8. Is Broadband internet access available?
9. What satellite or cable television services are available?
10.What are the neighbours like?

If you take some time to prepare for your house viewing then you will find it much easier to compare properties once you have seen a wide selection.

Remember, be objective and try not to let emotions take over; whilst a property makes a home, a place to live and somewhere to spend time with family; it is also an important investment for the future.

AboutMyArea is a national UK network of over 2,000 locally run community websites, each sharing the common goal of keeping their community informed with relevant local information and providing economical opportunities for local businesses to promote their products and services to local people within relevant seasonal features. Colin Holmes is the website editor for the local sites covering some of the areas throughout Romford, Dagenham and Barking, Essex, United Kingdom. For more information on promoting your business locally, visit http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/rm8/promotingyourbusiness

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