🏡 First time buyer - Tips please for first ever viewing of a property

[PurplePanda1]

I’ve booked to view my first ever property tomorrow as a prospective first time buyer and I would appreciate it if you could please give me some tips on what questions to ask and things to be aware of.

Thank you

I would find this so odd if someone knocked on my door and asked this!

I'd agree that your first viewing should be just to see if you like it. The other issues can be considered if you go back.

At least second viewings are happening now. When we bought our flat things were selling within hours and second viewings just didn't happen!

Look past decoration or mess. Concentrate on the structure.

Remember that the estate agent works for them, not you.

I think the offering 10% under thing is very much dependent on area/market/how much you want the house.

At the times I’ve bought it has been in areas where market was “hot” and we wouldn’t have had a sniff if offering under price. This was sealed bid or first and final offer territory. Not great but it is what it is. We once lost out on a property as didn’t realise it was first and final offers (actually for the best but that’s another story). This was in London, and during more buoyant times, so may be very different for you.

But worth really researching what’s happening in the area - look at sold prices, speak to any locals you may know- and understanding the circumstances you’re operating in. It is tricky, as of course EAs will want to make it sound like it is as in-demand as they can!

This tool is quite interesting / useful.

😂I know what you mean, it’s something my dad did whenever we were house hunting, but he does talk to everyone!

Be clear on your absolute requirements. If you NEED an office to WFH, a pretty rural cottage with no office and duff broadband won't do. Is there enough parking? Do you need an enclosed garden (pets, toddlers)?

Also look at things that could be very expensive or hard to change - are the windows and exterior doors in good order? Are the kitchen & bathroom ok or will they need replacing? How old is the boiler? Does the roof look sound? No slipped slates etc. Is the plaster sound? Does the house smell of damp? Is the flooring ok?

Then nice-to-haves. How much light does each room get? Which way does the garden face? Is there somewhere to sit in the evening sun with a glass of wine, even if it's tiny. Is there room for a washing line?

A bit dirty/scruffy/windows need a good clean can be off-putting but can be sorted at little cost. Rotten single-glazed windows and worn out plumbing will be much more expensive.

OP, another idea. Once I'd found a house I liked, I'd go and chat to the barman & the locals in the local pub.

Ask them about the broadband? If the area is safe to walk home at night? What traffic is like? Do any of the roads flood?

Also there is a neighbourhood watch web site that shows you frequency of crimes, so things like frequent burglaries show up.

Remember if the owner does the viewing, it is their home currently and for some the impression of you may help in them accepting any offer.

Worth reiterating again, do not believe a word an EA says, if they tell you the date and time of day I would still check it!

Do not use the EA in house mortgage brokers/suggested solicitors/surveyors. If look at a new build most certainly do not use them.

When you actually agree to which property you wish to purchase and have had an offer accepted, come back onto MN and read some of the property posts about such things as building regs, indemnity policies and FTB!

Good luck with your house search, always very special buying your first home.