Help Me! I am going to see a House Tomorrow?

Question

What sort of questions should I ask! I am a first time buyer!

Please Help

Answer 1

Don't ask any at first, show disapproval.

Then ask to see all of the rooms.

Look in all of the corners for mould shadow and around the windows.

Feel the walls front and back at low level.

Look at the front of the house, then the rear. Look for signs of greening on the wall. Also look for fine white powder on the walls. 'Deliquescent Salts' (Damp Issues).

Questions are.

1. Is there a maintenance record.
2. Why is the person selling.
3. How is the parking.
4. How close is the local pub (Yobs at night).
5. Have there been any record of Anti Social Behaviour in the area.
6. Who owns the fencing around.
7. Is there any record of subsidence in the area.
8. There is a voluntary ''End Users'' report for housing...Ask for it.

Before you accept, sit in your car between the hours of 11.00pm and Midnight near the house.

Make a note of all of your questions.

Never show excitement, you are the Buyer; let the Agent sell.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Go to the property area tonight to see what kind of area it is during the evenings. Are there loads of cars parked up, are there noisy neighbours, would you walk alone in the area. I don't think it's worth asking about how much the gas, electric costs because if they have 5 kids, your bills will never match that anyway. Ask how much poll tax is per year and water rates.

Please take someone with you that has owned their own house. Never go alone as a first time buyer, you could get talked into things or fobbed off and always write notes on the paperwork you have. Otherwise when you leave you will forget what you've seen.

Check the water pressure by turning on a tap. Are fixtures and fittings (light shades, fitted kitchen, bathroom shower unit, fitted cooker, curtains staying). Which fence would be yours. Is the loft insulated, (go up and look), this is a shock to some owners but you're gonna be spending a lot of money, you don't want a pink elephant. Check there are no holes in the roof, make sure you can't see daylight. For god sake DO make sure you have a survey done if you decide to buy, the survey will show up any problems and you can then negotiate a better price.

Make sure when looking, that you ignore their furniture and decor, you can change the decor, their furniture is going with them. Is there enough room for your new big sofa, dining table, etc????

Ask which plants they will be leaving in the garden (some people have the cheek of saying they'll leave them and then the blighters take them). Is the shed in the garden staying? When last did they have the roof done? Are there any broken tiles? Look for cracks around windows, look for rain water guttering that might be broken. (signs: green marks down the wall).

Where is the stop ****? (In some houses you will find them on other peoples property, whoa betide you if you fall out with the neighbour). Ask if any new buildings or roads are planned for the area. Ask where the nearest doctors, vets, hospital is. And ask if they have any paranormal activity in their house. I once bought a flat that did, luckily, I was quite happy in the flat, but the previous owner didn't warn me. Sorry but some people like to know.

I'd better stop now - you have loads of people giving advice, and it's all good. Take notes and take a friend.

Good luck and a very big congratulations when you finally decide to buy.

Answer 3

The questions you ask depend on what you're after. You don't have to know in depth about the structure as thats the job of the surveyor you employ once you place an offer.

You need to picture yourself living in that house:

* What are the good points?
* What are the bad points?
* Where is the house situated? how far from the shops, infrastructure etc.
* Is there anything next to the house which could attract unwanted groups e.g. a public bench, alleyway, football green.
* Does the area look okay? You may want to drive past at night time. Wind down the windows - any noise from the neighbours?
* Does the property have adequate parking? If there's street parking, then check the road at different times to see if you'll have any trouble parking. How many parking spaces? How many homes?
* In the case of a semi-detached, or end of terrace, what rooms join onto which neighbours rooms?
* What are the neighbours like?
* Why is the person moving?
* Which way do the rooms point? South-facing rooms are going to be brighter.

There are also little things which you have to bear in mind. For example, if the kitchen doesn't lead into the garden then you'd have to walk through another room to take the laundry outside - unless of course you don't use a washing line.

A slight problem with open plan kitchen/lounges is watching TV when the washing machine is running.

What are your circumstances? Do you have children? Are you planning to have children? How would a change of circumstances affect you living in that property?

Hope this gives you ideas.

Answer 4

When viewing a property just take your time, do not be rushed. The owner of the property may still be living there, unless it's a vacant possession, chain free etc. You will usually be on your own or with a friend but not the agent.

What you need to know is the state of the building. Have a good look outside and pay plenty of attention to the damp course. This is at the foot of the brickwork, any cracks in it means that damn will get into or has already got into the building. Do not buy if this is so.

Most houses are pretty standard really, room sizes may vary slightly but usually something like 14 to 15 by 12 is about average. Check all the rooms and observe quality of ceilings, walls and skirting, light fittings, doors [are they hanging straight].

Questions to ask should concern general maintenance of the house. Find out how old the boiler is - anything over 12 years and you'll need a new one very soon and that's not going to be cheap. Check the central heating if any. Have a good nose around at everything. No rush. Allow yourself at least 50 mins to 1 hour to view the entire house including garden back and front etc.

Make sure there are no large trees growing close to the house, these cause problems with foundations.

One point - do dress properly, grubby trainers are a no-no. Casual but smart is okay. You're not trying to impress anyone, but you want to let people know you know what you are doing. They will probably know already that you are a first timer - no worries, they are as keen to sell as you are to buy.

One other final point but don't push your luck - see if you can get them to knock something off the asking price. Let's put it like this, there are plenty of houses on the market but not too many buyers. I'm not saying it's a buyer's market, it isn't, but things need to be asked and this is pretty important. Like I say, you'll need to judge for yourself if you think it worth asking for a couple of grand off.

Good luck.

Oh yeah! one other useful tip, let the owner of the house you view know that you're looking at 'lots' of properties in the neighbourhood. This will help them make up their mind about dropping their price a bit, especially if they think you've already got half a deal somewhere else.

Good luck once more. Remember, you are THE BUYER.

Here's a quick check list to help you...
DAMP COURSE - no cracks in same
BRICKWORK - mortar in good cond.
DOORS - well fitted into frames no splits in woodwk etc.
CEILINGS - no cracks
WALLS - no cracks
SKIRTING - neat clean lines
CHIMNEYS - good brickwork - check if well pointed etc.
GAS OR ELECTRIC BOILER - how old
CENTRAL HEATING - how old - see it working too.
WALL CAVITY FILLING - if none you want price cut etc.
LOFT INSULATION - if none you want price cut etc.
etc
.
.
.

Answer 5

All the technical questions such as council tax bands should be shown on the agents details along with all relevant points about boilers,insulation etc. What you need to know is what are the neighbours like and an honest answer must be given by law. Is the neighbourhood quiet, is there crime etc. A good idea is to go and park yourself near the house on an evening and a Saturday when you will see the real area when people are about.
When looking at the house go with your gut feeling on whether you like it as this is all you have. Do not take notice of the furniture or decorating as they will be changed by you. If walls are papered even with wood chip ask what the state of the plaster is underneath. Again they are duty bound to give an honest answer. Best of luck and only go for it if you are sure and don't be rail roaded with the possibility of other buyers around.

Answer 6

Here's some things the people above have missed....

Take a compass! How is the house oriented? Which rooms get the morning/afternoon sun (if at all)? Are there any tall buildings/trees/other things which keep your house in the shade most of the time? Would the garden be either in shade all the time (or in shade none of the time)?
What about TV reception (if by aerial)? A big aerial on the roof might mean difficult (terrestrial) reception.

Will your house be exposed to prevailing winds? Which direction do the storms come from in this locality? (in most parts of UK this will be south or SW) Are there any nearby trees which could fall on the house? Check for low-lying areas, both generally and in the immediate vicinity of the building.

Are there any restrictive covenants on the property (i.e. are you forbidden to do certain things, like park commercial vehicles in the drive, hang washing out, run certain types of business from home)? If you need satellite TV, would you be allowed to put a dish up?
Some roads or developments have these types of restriction in place, so ask. (Your solicitor/attorney should know these things)

Look carefully at the interior, especially layout. Assuming no damp, mould, etc which others have already warned against, look for things like awkward staircases...will you be able to get your furniture upstairs?

If you find any of the snags I have pointed out, do they matter to you? Some drawbacks may be trivial, others might be a definite no-no. It depends on your needs and the needs of anyone moving with you.

As someone above has said, make two lists:
Must-haves
Must-not-haves
Then visit the house (good luck!)
Take notes and review afterwards.

Answer 7

Hi,
you seem to have some splendid answers which I would not disagree with, so as an addendum - if the property is a recent build, give the internal walls a slight knock. If they sound hollow, then they are just plasterboard, and therefore rubbish.
Mr Barret & dear knows who else build with the cheapest methods, and not satisfactorally in me view..
If the thing is much older, then always look for signs of damp, and dry-rot. A no-no, unless you fancy some DIY.
Always have a peep in the loft area. Is the roof intact.
What is the state of the internal plumbing & electrics. ?
Any cracks on the walls could be just a drying out issue in a newer house, but in an older one, could it be subsidence ?
Flush the toilets is a good one, as if nothing pees out, and the thing re-fills OK, then all is probably well.
Turn all the electrical stuff on. Does the consumer unit leap off the wall, or hang in there.
Have the mains socket outlets got rounded corners ?
If so, the show is well out of date, and should be changed.
Oh the list goes on I suppose.
If it is an old barn, or a main-stream new build, the same things can apply.
Basically, give everything a poke & a prod.

All the best with it.
Cheers,
Bob

Answer 8

Sit down today or tonight and make up a list of "Gotta Haves" and "Wanna Haves" that you'd find in your perfect home. Having a clear vision of what you want is the key to narrowing your search and finding the right home faster.

Next, if you aren't pre-approved for financing already, DO IT TODAY! Being pre-approved for financing gives a buyer a huge edge when there are competing offers and in negotiating a sales price. The seller then knows you are the "real deal". It will also prevent you from looking at and then falling in love with a home you cannot qualify to buy with a loan that won't cause you to lose the home later because you simply cannot support the payments.

You, like most first time buyers, may, at first, want to buy every house you see. Follow your Realtor's guidance, they can help you steer clear of those which may not be in your best interests. Speaking of which, if you don't have a Realtor of your own, get one. The seller pays their costs, not you, so why shouldn't you have someone looking out for your best interests? The listing Realtor is the seller's advocate, you need one too.

Happy hunting! Let me know if you'd like me to email you some first time buyer information.

Answer 9

OK, some helpful answers above, but remember, some of these things (like Council Tax) you can find out for yourself, others, like structural issues, your Surveyor would identify if you make an offer.

Stick to the obvious stuff like what age is the wiring, how old is the central heating boiler and when was it last serviced, which boundaries are you responsible for etc.

Make out you know what you're looking for - even if you don't. A good one I have always used is to look at bricked up chimneys for vents (there should be one at the bottom of the old opening). This is about the only structural thing I know - which is why I use it.

Also, don't be rude about anything, but don't be complimentary or enthusiastic about everything. Find a minor fault (noise of traffic, badly cracked ceiling, old light switch) and comment within hearing of the Estate Agent on it.

If you like the place, don't be too positive with the Estate Agent. Keep them on their toes! Wait a while (time depending on how fast places are selling in the area or standard of the property) and then ask to see it again.

I'm in the process of buying another house now and looked at nearly 30 places - 5 of them twice - before making a serious offer on one.

Answer 10

I work for an estate agents and have just bought my first property. Although asking how much all the bills are may sound like a good idea, please be aware that it may not be the current owners showing you around, but just a person employed by the company to do exactly that - show you around. They might not have a clue what band of council tax the property is under. The best thing you can do is have a good look round, and if you like the property, view it on more than one occasion, at different times of the day so you get a "feel" for the neighbourhood and surroundings. Take your parents or a good friend or partner with you so you don't feel overwhelmed. Remember, surveys are there to find any structural problems with the property and you do not usually get your mortgage approved without them. Hope this helps.