Visiting the Estate Agent
Firstly, when registering give as many contact numbers as possible. Then when a new property comes in, or you are needed urgently, you can be contacted. Do not put too many restrictions on the property you want to find - buying a home is about being comfortable and people often buy things they would not originally have considered. If you are worried about visiting a property, take advantage of accompanied viewings.
Pre-Viewing
Before viewing properties, you need to confirm they are still available. Ask for a map or exact directions to save time.
Location Check
Before your viewing check out the area. Look for facilities, roads, local amenities etc.
External Property Check
Walk past and around (if possible) the property you are going to view. Check out the neighbouring houses. What alterations have they made? What external condition is the viewing property in?
Internal Property Check
Have a really good look round. To help you use our Buyers Checklist so that you ask all the right questions. If viewing several properties, make notes on the Particulars Sheet. Ask to take a second look unaccompanied. If you could not walk around the property during your External Property Check go out into the garden and have a good look. Do not worry about making repeated visits.
Buyers Checklist
Use this checklist to make certain you ask the Vendor all the right questions. Make any notes on the particulars.
Q = ask this as a question
N = make a mental or written note
QN = a question and a note
General |
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Notes |
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Q |
Age of property |
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Q |
Fixtures & Fittings included |
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QN |
Repairs needed |
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Q |
Structural changes made |
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N |
Redecorating required |
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N |
Window condition |
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N |
Central heating |
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Education |
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Q |
School location |
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Q |
D of E league table position |
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Q |
Playgroups |
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Q |
Youth Centres |
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Running Costs |
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Q |
Council Tax |
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Q |
Water Rates |
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Q |
Electricity costs |
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Q |
Gas costs |
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N |
Telephone Line |
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N |
Sky Dish/Cable Communication |
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Recreation |
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Q |
Local Pubs |
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Q |
Local Restaurants |
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Q |
Cinema/Theatre |
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Q |
Leisure Complex |
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Local amenities |
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Q |
Shopping |
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Q |
Library |
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Q |
Mobile Library |
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Q |
Leisure Facilities |
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Q |
Parks |
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Q |
Play Areas |
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Finance |
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QN |
Price required |
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N |
Survey type need for this property? |
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Q |
Implications of the chain |
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Q |
Tenure - freehold/leasehold |
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Environment and Safety |
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Q |
Privacy |
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Q |
Neighbourhood |
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Q |
Crime |
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N |
Condition of adjacent properties |
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Q |
Noise levels |
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Location |
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Q |
Daily commuting ease |
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Q |
Road links |
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Q |
Public transport links |
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Q |
Rush hour traffic |
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Q |
Off peak traffic |
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