I'm a first time buyer going viewing first property tomorrow.what questions do i ask?

Question

we are being shown round by the owner of the property..thankyou

Answer 1

Ask what improvements they have done and if they did them by themselves or if they had a contractor/professional do them. Pay particular attention to if they've done any modifications to electrical and plumbing and if they weren't done by professionals.

Ask them about the neighbors--are there any that complain a lot, have kids, loud pets, etc.

Ask if they've ever had problems with rain--like leaks in the roof, chimney, windows, doors, etc.

Ask them how long they've lived there and why they are moving.

Ask them what their favorite part about living there was, and what their least favorite part was.

Ask them what their typical utility bills are for the summer and winter months.

Ask how much upkeep the landscape needs and what they've done to maintain it.

Ask if there are any additions or modifications on the property that don't have permits.

Ask about car traffic on the street at different times of the day and if they have had problems with parking.

If it's near a school ask if lots of kids walk by on their way to/from school.

Ask if they already have connections for cable, satellite, DSL, etc, and if they know how many pairs of phone lines are run in the house (and if multiple lines, which lines are already wired to which rooms).

Ask about the water pressure and temperature--if there's an issue with multiple sinks/showers/washers on at the same time.

Those are a few for starters....

Answer 2

Things to look out for inside the house and questions to ask:

* does the property need updating - if so, how much will this cost
* is the property in a conservation area or a listed building and could this restrict any future alterations
* are the rooms big enough for your needs - furniture etc
* what is included in the sale - land, garage, furniture, fittings, etc
* are the views good enough
* what is the cost of Council Tax and the average costs of other utility? bills such as electricity, gas, water
* why are the sellers moving
* does the house have full central heating? If so, how old is it
* how is the water heated? Combination boiler or tank, etc
* have there been any problems with the boiler; when was it last serviced by a Corgi engineer
* if there is a loft, has this been insulated? If so, how long ago
* does the property have cavity wall insulation
* has the property been altered in any way and if so are the relevant planning and building control consents available to inspect
* is there any sign of subsidence (e.g. major cracks in the walls or the doors sticking)
* is there a smell of damp or any other sign such as the walls feeling damp, the wallpaper peeling/paint bubbling, watermarks or mould
* do the window frames have cracking paint? (If you can press your finger easily into the wood it's rotten)
* has the room recently been decorated, if so, why (a problem might lie underneath)
* how much storage space is there
* are there sufficient power points, how old do they look
* does it feel like it could be your home

The location

You should also make sure the location meets your requirements so here are a few things to think about:

* nearby main roads, or pubs, clubs or restaurants - they can be handy, but also noisy
* nearby railway lines - or overhead flight paths
* the feel of the community - does it seem friendly
* the aspect of the house - does it get enough light
* is the property well maintained
* the age of the property
* garden size
* the condition of nearby properties
* how good or near is the public transport
* are the local schools good
* are there any known plans for development in the area
* what are the local amenities like, shops, hospitals, leisure facilities, etc.
* what is the crime level like in the area
* what are the neighbours like? Are they noisy
* has there ever been a dispute with the neighbours (or anyone living nearby)

Answer 3

when i moved in to my new house i didn't ask anything so now I'm paying the price. questions i should have asked
1 why are you selling
2 what has been done to the house since you bought it and who did the work and when was it done is it still under guarantee
3 what kind of heating system is there? is it a back boiler as these are more expensive to run so watch out
4 what are the neighbours like ask how well they know the neighbours then go round and talk to them if you dare
5how much on average are the household bills as you will need to know what you will be paying out in gas and electric so you can make sure you can afford it
6 has there been any planning permissions blocked this is because you might want to convert the attic but if planning has already been denied you won't be able to do it
7 ask about the electrics and the plumbing when were they last serviced/ checked also ask about the fire and boiler you don't want to buy a death trap.
remember it is the first house you see there will be plenty more do not give any money for any reason on the day!!!
this is how some scams work they rush you into paying a deposit first so beware

I hope this helps you i don't mean to scare you but these are some of the downfalls that i did i'm still paying

Answer 4

Find a Realtor that will protect your interest. The owner is looking out for himself and may not disclose everything about the house to you.

Your real estate agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property.

One thing you need to find out is, will the property have resale value when you are ready to sell? How old is the house? What is the square footage? Why are they selling? Does the home need a new roof, how old is the roof? Does the electrical wiring of the house need to be upgraded, how old is the wiring? Are the pipes cooper pipes, how old is the plumbing? Does the house have central air and heating? Does the house have dual pane windows or do they need to be replaced? A realtor should know the answer to those questons, and many more for each house that you visit, so find one to work with you.


Step 1. Get loan approval
Step 2, Get a Realtor
Step 3 Look at homes.

Maintain a file on the homes visited.

Answer 5

Look at the house outside before you go in, the front and backyards IF there is one. Look at the windows etc..

Then while inside check the kitchen, rooms, closet space.. imagine the house empty..

Remember there are other houses to look at BUT use this one as the preface to all the others.

Ask them how old is the hotwater heater and the washer and dryer and all appliance. Look around the tub for leaks. Look at the ceiling in each room.. Make sure the house you buy (IF it is not new) will not require any major fix ups other than the changes you plan to make after the purchases.

Ask them what they love most about the house.. &...why are they selling (optional)??

First home, not your last... just make sure it is a home that you will love coming home too.

Enjoy the journey.

Answer 6

Try not to be taken in by the superficial things as in curtains and furniture.

How old is the home.
Look for cracks in the corner of the ceilings.
Ask if it has had regular white ant treatments.
A home can appear to be immaculate and after you move in you find there has been a leak in the wall leaving the wall in a state of repair you did not notice it at the time because a lounge chair had been sitting in front of it.
If there has been any additions to the home were they approved before being built .
Hope this is of some help.
Take care!

Answer 7

What are the taxes? Does he have payment records? What are utility costs? Does he have records? Where are the schools? Where are police and municipal building? Where are grocery stores?
Any hidden defects in house? How old is house? How old is roof? If over 20 years it needs replaced. Does he have maintenance records? Will he agree to let you have your own house inspector do an inspection? If he says yes and you want the house, have a professional inspect first.
What is the asking price? What does the price include? Any warranties still in effect? Will he give you a 30 day warranty?

Answer 8

Take a Realtor with you! Make sure any purchase agreement has a statement that the appraisal must meet or exceed the purchase price! Also have the home inspected by a professional.

Answer 9

How old is furnace? How old is roof? How old is water heater? Ask if they would mind if you hired someone to inspect the foundation, you might want to do a termite inspection, too. Ask if appliances will be included in the sale. If so, how old are they?

Answer 10

Have a good look at the brickwork - look out for long running cracks!
Ask about the heating / boilers - has it been maintained / serviced?
Council tax cost?
Neighbours?
Look for signs of damp - peeling wallpaper / crumbling plaster etc.
Parking
Area - check out www.upmystreet.com


Good luck!