Buying a Property
Once you have decided to register with Your Property For Sale we can help you find a property that matches your exacting requirements. You will be notified of properties matching these requirements so that you can act quickly as soon as a property comes to the market.
- How much Can you Afford?
- Which are area you looking to move to?
- What Type of property are you looking for?
- Are you looking for a new or an old property?
- Examining Property Externals
- Examining property Internals
- Questions to ask the Vendor
- Making an offer
Before purchasing a property you might want to consider the following:-
How much can you afford?
This is an important consideration and one that must not be taken lightly. With interest rates capable of both rising and falling choosing the right type of mortgage is also important. Click here to use our comprehensive mortgage calculator.
Which area are you looking to move to?
Location is an important decision and must be considered carefully. Will the children need to change schools, will they still be able to walk to school? Will you be further away from family and friends? All of these factors need to be considered carefully. UpMyStreet.co.uk allows you to review an area and ononemap.co.uk allow you to graphically see how the area looks.
What type of property are you looking for?
Terraced, Semi Detached or detached for example may be the choices. View a few different style properties and consider what would appeal most to you.
Are you looking for a new or an old property?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both new and old, providing you understand these then you will be able to make a more informed decision. Speak to people that live in both new and old houses and see what they have to say about them – it might make you change your mind!!!
Make a list of what you want i.e. how many bedrooms? Would you like allocated parking, en-suite or utility? Have an open mind…you may surprise yourself.
Before you view the property have a 5-10 minute drive or walk around the area. How does the neighbourhood feel? What questions have you got? What’s the condition of the surrounding areas and property?
Always take the time to visit a property early in the morning, during rush hour, on an afternoon and on an evening. You might be surprised to see how the atmosphere changes throughout the day. Is it directly on a commuter route? Is it close to a public house or a palladium of shops? What are the surrounding houses like, are they in a good state of repair? Do you envisage potential issues with the neighbours.
Think about what the area will be like in the future. Is it an up and coming area or is it on its way down?
A surveyor will check over the property for you by undertaking a valuation/Survey (CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TYPES OF WORK VALUERS CAN UNDERTAKE) but before spending money on a Survey it is worth checking over certain points to ensure nothing blatent is wrong with the property:-
Property Externals:-
- Look out for cracks in the walls and around the windows. Are the windows UPVC? If not look out for any signs of rot in the door and window frames?
- Are the roof tiles all present and correct? If they are missing then the problems could be worse than just a few missing tiles – the rainwater wil have undoubtably got into the attic of the property and will require further investigation.
- Are there any leaking gutters or damp patches around the drains. Potential signs of water leakage or potential damp.
- Is there a damp proof course above the soil?
- Are the gardens well maintained?
- Does it need a new driveway or paths?
Property Internals:-
- What is the condition of the decoration? Are the incumbent owners smokers, or do they have a dog/cat?
- Check for cracks in plasterwork and around the window frames.
- Are there any signs of damp? Usually apparent on the walls and ceiling – is the wallpaper coming away from the wall?
- Is the kitchen or bathroom dated? They may be expensive to replace?
- Look at the plugs and electrical fittings, how old are they?
- Check the condition of the central heating system. If the heating is on feel the top and bottom of the radiators to ensure hot throughout.
- What fixtures and fittings are included?
- How long have you lived here?
- Why are you moving?
- What plans do you have to vacate the property, are you looking for somewhere or have you found somewhere?
- What are the neigbours like?
- Have you been broken into ever/recently?
- Have you ever had the garage broken into or the car stolen?
- What improvements have you made to the property while you’ve been here?
- Do they have any receipts for work done?
Making an offer
When speaking to the vendor ensure that you have thought about the maximum that you would be prepared to pay and STICK TO IT. It;s very easy in the heat of the moment to end up paying more than you want to. Any offer you make should be subject to survey and contracts so ensure you state this when you are negotiating.
First time buyers or FTB’s are considered to be in a stronger negotiating position as they are not tied to chain. This can speed up the sale and reduce the chances of the chain breaking down. If you are an FTB make sure you tell the vendor as this may make them choose your ‘lower’ offer over someone else’s that’s in a chain.
If the vendor is also using an estate agent ask them to instruct them to take the property of the market.
Exchange solicitor details and inform both yours and the vendors. Click to obtain a quote from our conveyancing team or we recomend Williamson Hill Solicitors
Finalise mortgage details. If you have yet to organise a mortgage click here to obtain a no obligation quotation.
Another important area is the survey. If you are getting a mortgage the mortgage company will insist on a valuation that you must pay for. They will not as a matter of course offer a full survey and you must therefore ask for this separately. Click here for the various different type of survey you can get.
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