When choosing your new home it’s easy for your heart to rule your head. Remember, this is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you make, so make sure your head also gets a look-in!
Once you have shortlisted property that seems to match the main criteria for the home of your dreams, it’s time to get serious. Start asking questions. The current owner is an obvious port of call and by definition, they are best placed to answer any questions you might have, but can they be trusted to be absolutely truthful!?
Nowadays, conveyancers will send the seller a long list of searching questions which the seller must answer truthfully, but there is no substitute for asking your own questions face-to-face. At the very least, you might detect a certain unease when you ask how good the wifi is that might have you making further enquiries of what’s available before committing.
It’s not just the owner that you should consider speaking to either. Why not pop around and say hi to the neighbours. They’re probably just as intrigued by who’s likely to move in as you are to see if they’re all-night ravers or mass murderers! Trust your instincts.
As for the seller, you should be trying to build a picture. How long have they lived there? Why are they moving home? Have they found anywhere else? Is a purchase agreed? Is there a long chain? Are they sure they want to move? What timeframe suits them best? Will they be leaving the greenhouse? Would they consider selling that wonderful old sit-on lawnmower or the big wardrobe in the spare room? You get the idea.
You want to protect yourself from the abortive costs you might incur if your seller is a bit ‘flakey’. You might also secure a bargain on items that the seller would find it easier to leave than move to their new property.
You should also be asking about neighbours. Have there been any disputes? Are any of them keen but poor violinists or players of the bagpipes? Where does everyone park? When was the electrical wiring last checked? Do they have certificates or warranties for work done? How old is the boiler? Is the loft well-insulated? What’s the average monthly energy bill and council tax charges?
Before you make an offer, you might also want to know how long the property has been on the market? How many viewings have they had? Is time of the essence with the sale?
When was it last rewired? Does the cellar flood? Are there any new developments proposed in the area? Is there subsidence or flooding nearby?
The more complete a picture you can build both before and after you make your offer, the better protected you are from the unknowns in the transaction. Don’t be afraid to ask.
8 days ago
Selling up? It’s important to make your house as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Good decorating can help with first impressions, and increase the perceived value of your property.
27 days ago
With the cost of living affecting so many of us, we have made a list of budget-friendly activities and ideas for you.
21 Jul 2023
Moving soon? It's never too early to get organised! Be prepared and avoid unwanted stress by checking out our list of tips to get you ready for moving day.
27 Jun 2023
Inflation simply put, is the increase in the price of something over time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) tracks the prices of hundreds of everyday items and these items are updated to reflect shopping trends.
20 Jun 2023
We are often asked if it's good advice to consolidate “unsecured” debt (credit cards and loans etc) into your mortgage, the answer is, sometimes.
16 Jun 2023
When you’re looking to buy a home, and you own a car, you ideally want to know the rules on parking in the area. Parking rules can be confusing, even for the most experienced of drivers! This is why we have written this blog to help you.
6 Jun 2023
There are several potential sources you can consider when it comes to getting together a deposit to buy a property. Providing proof of the source of your deposit is a key requirement in the application process and will need to be given to both the lender and the solicitor.
26 May 2023
Mortgage Prisoners are people who are unable to switch mortgages to a better deal, despite being up-to-date with their mortgage payments.