Final viewing days before exchange - what did you ask?

[wonderousworld]

Hi All

We are due to exchange and complete within the next week. All has been very cordial and straightforward so no issues and no plans for us to back out.

I am having one last view with the seller so we can go through some basics - things you don't really ask when viewing to buy.

I don't want to pester them after I have completed so would welcome any suggestions re "what I should have asked when I had the chance" - so I go with a complete a list as possible.

So - how to use heating, where is the stopcock, how to use appliances sort of things

Anyone got any others so I can go prepped with a list. I know the area so intel on best pubs, restaurants etc.. is not really needed.

Thanks

Bin day!

I don’t think I’ve ever done this when I’ve bought a house and no one has done it to me either. We figure most things out and exchange numbers in case we have any issues after getting the keys. Not helpful, I know.

not sure it’s really necessary at this stage.

this happened to me and it was horrendous! There were boxes everywhere, mess everywhere and it stressed me out SO much! They didn’t ask me anything, just came looking and were there ages.

I didn't realise this was a thing!

Turning on/off water, electrics box, ventilation system or other inbuilt electric systems, any tricky windows/doors.

Where is the stop cock, fuse box, bin day and alarm codes those were the main reasons we went back for a final visit

So - how to use heating, where is the stopcock, how to use appliances sort of things
Are they leaving the manuals (although with things on the internet these days, it's not quite so essential).
Warranties / guarantees.

Burglar alarm code.

Phone number of the person who normally services their boiler
Ditto milkman
Gardening etc, basically any staff who have done anything to the house eg DIY person who clears th3 drains

They may have done it all themselves but it will save u time once moved in

What will you miss the most?
Where is the best place in the garden? Why?if there's. Garden a list of what's planted if poss

I've bought and sold at least a dozen properties and have never come across this. Never met any of the buyers or sellers.

Use it as a chance to measure up too. I would ask them if theres any quirks about the house that would be useful to know.

We plan to invite our buyers around to show them the heating system as its complex plus the loft ladder as it's a telescopic one.

Thanks all - some good ideas.

I have never done it before either and like others have bought/sold quite a few places - this was at the suggestion of vendor and their estate agent so happy that don't feel I am intruding.

We have had a nice relationship in buying process and have patiently waited for them after several onward purchases fell through - so I think this is a goodwill gesture and perhaps something that they have also done previously so doesn't feel odd for them to offer.

Check what they have for internet - this was my main reason for a last minute visit before exchange. I needed to know if they had a virgin box (I think?) before I could have internet arranged to be installed, which I wanted the day after completion. Vendor had no idea when I'd asked.

And alarm codes, we have an alarm we've never used...

Ex estate agent - you’re recommended to ALWAYS go check pre exchange /completion that the house looks like it did. ie they haven’t removed kitchen or boiler, cracked the sink if toilet etc!

I'd use it to do some measuring up and ask about bin days and burglar alarm codes. Wouldn't the location of stop cock and fuse box etc be covered in the survey?