Property Buyer's Tips

When buying a new home, there are some general tips that you should always keep in mind. In summary, buyers need to : remember these points, Estate Agents & give yourself plenty of time.

1. Remember these points!

You should verify that all details are as you believe, particularly the current asking price, room sizes, ownership and the tenure of a property before making an offer on the property.

Before making any journeys to view properties, you should also confirm their availability. In a quick moving market properties can sell very quickly and it can save you a wasted journey by telephoning first to find out if an offer has been accepted on the property.

You should also check that any services mentioned in the property details are as described when you actually view the property. Where a property is shown as sold "subject to contract" (SSTC) the price displayed is that at which the property was previously marketed and is not always the price agreed within that contract.

2. Estate Agents

Make sure that any agents you contact in your chosen locations can contact you immediately in the event that a property should come up for sale in your locality that fits your property wish list already supplied to the agent. In a fast moving market you need to be looking at a property within hours of it reaching the market and not within days.

Take advantage of viewing properties with local estate agents. If the property does not meet your expectation explain to them why and what you are looking for because they may know of another property in the locality that meets your requirements.

Remember to also consider new homes and contacting developers directly. Many new developments are now being made across the country and it may be a viable option for you in your desired location.

3. Be prepared and give yourself plenty of time

Make sure you allow time before your viewing in order to check out the local area. Get there early and go for a drive around the property to get a feel for local services and shops. Pay a quick visit to the local pub (if there is one) because the locals will be able to convey much (directly or indirectly) about the locality. This research will give you an opportunity to consider any questions you may want to ask the vendors once the property viewing has begun.

Be nosey and take a really good look around the home you think you might buy. If the property is vacant then look into cupboards and the loft to really get a feel for what you may be purchasing.

It is always best to view as many properties as possible within your desired location so you can fully compare the price, suitability and flexibility of the available property.

Be open-minded about property details when building up your short-list and view properties that might appear to be outside possibilities.