Viewing a Property and How to Do It

Be prepared to take your time when viewing. This is a crucial decision you are about to make. When you buy a property you view it not once or twice, but three times or four times, sometimes more. This is because the property will take on a different character at different times of the day. Depending which way it is facing, some rooms may be really gloomy, when you want them to be brightest. If you have received details of a property that looks really nice and after you have asked all the relevant questions, make an appointment to view it immediately. You can't afford to hang around procrastinating because you'll never snap up a bargain that way. Time is of the essence. Sometimes the estate agent will accompany you to the viewing, particularly if the property is empty, and sometimes the owner will show you around instead. In my experience it is ตึกแถว พระราม 9 preferable to have the estate agent instead. It is preferable to have the estate agent with you, as they tend to bend your ear far less than the owners do! It's amazing how even the most silent types become verbose when trying to sell a house.

Take a notebook, pen and tape measure with you so that you can check certain areas for the treasured piece of furniture that you want to bring with you. Also, taking notes will help you to remember certain details if you are viewing several properties in one day. For example, writing down things like 'needs rewiring, bathrooms OK, kitchen horrible but tiles OK, sitting room too small etc.'

Try not to be put off by other people's taste. Their choice of colours and furniture might not be to your liking so look beyond all that and try to envisage what the house will look like with your belongings in it. Similarly, an exquisitely decorated house with expensive furniture can be misleading because it gives the impression of luxury and style but could be a bad investment if it is in the wrong location.

Take your time and don't be rushed by the estate agent or the owner. This is a massive investment you are making so it is imperative that you get it right. Note down the height of the ceilings, the sunlight or lack of it in each room, the direction of the garden and the state of garden fencing etc.

Look out for any tell-tale patches of damp or dark staining on the ceiling, which could mean there is a leak above. If all the lights are on, turn them off and see how dark it is. Ask when the central heating boiler was last serviced. If you really like showers, turn the shower on to test the pressure. If it is a pathetic dribble you may need to install a pressure pump.

After the first viewing, and assuming you are really interested in the property, make arrangements with the agent or the seller to see it again after work. They want to sell it, so they won't mind. This will show you different things like how difficult it is to park your car after work and how noisy it is with the children back from school. If the seller is there, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.

The last question - why are you moving - can sometimes be very revealing. If they stammer and start waffling about it being 'time to move on' it probably means that they've had a row with the neighbours or the flight path is getting too much. Remember, most people move home for a reason, so you must do your research. Here are some more details to check out.

Things to look out for when viewing a property

Interior Is the layout all right? What is the condition of the structure? What is included in the price? Any cracks in the walls? Is the kitchen big enough? Are the windows double gazed? Any peeling wallpaper (due to damp)? Is there a utility room? Any condensation on windows? Condition of windows? Fresh paint - is that a cover-up? What storage is there? Springy floors - are the joists rotting? Woodworm or dry rot? Are there enough electrical sockets? Does it have a damp-proof course? Is the bathroom big enough? Is there sufficient water pressure?

Exterior

What state is the garden in? Damaged or blocked guttering? The state of brickwork and rendering? Bulging and cracked walls? Damaged chimneys? Missing roof tiles? Is the drive in good condition? Is there a garage? Is there off-road parking? Are sheds and greenhouses included in the price? Is it on a steep slope? Is the garden south-facing and is it big enough? Are the drains OK?

Don't waste time viewing a property if you know within the first few minutes that you don't like it. Say to the agent or owner that it's not quite what you were looking for and they won't mind at all. It saves a lot of time and effort on their part.