Things to check when viewing a property for the first time
Sian Hiatt, Sales Manager, reveals a few things worth checking while overcoming the nerves and excitement of viewing a property for the very first time...
Viewing properties can be both exciting and frustrating at the same time as you may either find yourself falling in love at first sight, discover that a house fails to live up to your expectations or you may struggle to work out how you actually feel about a particular property at all. No matter what, upon first viewing a property it helps to be as impartial as possible so that you can be objective enough to see the house from a realistic standpoint.
It could be beneficial to take someone else along with you for a second opinion such as a family member of close friend, especially if you're buying a property by yourself. You will appreciate their input and moral support as well as enjoy having the chance to share the excitement of your home-searching with somebody else.
What are the basic things you should look for when viewing a property?
You should be able to tick off the things you want and need from a home.
Is it the right size?
Think about whether it has enough rooms, a suitable kitchen, a garden, garage or suitable parking availability. Perhaps you're specifically looking for a renovation project to put your own stamp on everything, or something that's fit and ready for you to move in immediately.
Will you be able to comfortably fit all of your belongings into the home? Consider whether you're going to start a family in this home or further grow your current family. Think about what you may not only need from the home right now but your potential requirements in years to come. Maybe you'll be happy upsizing, or maybe you'd prefer this property to be a large enough home that's ready to accommodate.
What condition is the property in?
Look at the condition of the property and decide if it's in the right state of repair for what you're looking for. Even if you're happy decorating every room to suit your own taste and style, it's still important to look beyond the décor - especially if you're looking for something that requires very little work. Check for damp, damage or noticeable rot either inside or outside the property.
Even if you're happy carrying out some renovation work, it's worthwhile having some sort of budget in mind for this while house-hunting. For example, bathrooms and kitchens can be expensive to re-fit to a high quality standard and though it's almost always worthwhile doing, you still need to be sure that everything financially fits into what you can afford. If you don't, you may find yourself with a new home that's waiting a long time for a suitable bathroom or kitchen.
Don't forget to check the exterior
Many viewers get carried away with the inside of a property, but you should also expect the exterior, including all brickwork, guttering and roof condition, as well as any garden and garage. Exterior damage can be easily covered over with a coat of paint, so make the check thorough to avoid any unexpected costs after a purchase.
Access to sunlight? Suitable noise levels?
If you're a sun-lover you may be keen to ensure the home you buy is south-facing to make the most of sunny days. You may also prefer peace and quiet, so listen out for nearby noise that may come from main roads, passing trains or flight paths overhead and make sure it's not going to cause you an issue.
View the property more than once
If you're feeling good vibes upon first viewing then consider booking a second viewing not too long after to see if you still feel the same next time around. It may be a good idea to take a second look during a different time of the day or to take someone else along with you that hasn't seen the property yet so that you can get a different perspective.
Of course, there are other things you should look for when viewing a property - including the cost of living in that particular area or property (council tax, any associated maintenance costs, mortgage repayments etc.) and whether local amenities offer everything you need within reasonable distance. But hopefully these things highlighted above will be able to set you off on the right track towards finding your dream home.
If you'd like help sourcing and buying that perfect home, don't hesitate to contact our expert team here at CPS Homes. We have branches across Cardiff and you're very welcome to pop in and see us to discuss exactly what it is you're looking for. Alternatively, you can call us on 02920 66858 or drop us a line at enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk.
