Viewing Properties
So, you’ve decided upon an area(s) you would like to move to, you know what your budget is….now you need to go and see some properties! It’s a good idea, before you start viewing properties to draw up a list of ‘must-have’ criteria that are absolutely essential and not a compromise, such as ‘a garden because you have a dog’. Then draw up a list of ‘luxury’ criteria which would be nice to have but aren’t a deal breaker if the property doesn’t have them - such as a garage, or a third bedroom/study.
The next step is to register with all of the agents within your desired area, scour the local newspapers, sign up to email alerts and keep a close eye on property websites. The fun part! Arrange some viewings for properties you are interested in and get a feel of the market and the sort of property you could get for your budget. Take your time, the more properties you view, the more you will have to compare against and get an idea of what you like. It is a VERY big decision – don’t rush it! For each property you go and view ensure you print off our viewing checklist and make notes, outlining things that will differentiate it from others that you see. If you see 5 or 6 in one day, they will more than likely just blend into one, so its important to make notes so you remember what each one is like.
Once you have seen a property you like, arrange a second viewing, it is important you view it at a different time of day (at night if you originally viewed it in the daytime). This enables you to see what the neighbours are like in the evenings and possibly you can see what the heating system is like.
At this stage it may be wise to appoint a solicitor. Register all your details with them and pass your solicitors details onto your estate agent, which again saves time later on in the process. It is wise to have one recommended to you, also one that is local to your home or to where you work so you can easily drop paperwork off etc.