You feel that it’s time to sell your old home, and decide to move up. You call your reliable real estate agent, and the search is on for a new house. But before you go to that viewing scheduled, there are important aspects you might want to check before you write that cheque.
Your next home will probably be your sanctuary for many years to come, so avoid the common buyer mistakes and never regret your decision. Here are things that should not forget to check:
Don’t fall into the trap of staging
There’s a reason why you should get a trusted real estate agent, and one of the reasons is because some homes for sale have already undergone the process of staging. In this process, the property was prepared to look more appealing by strategically positioned mirrors, good lighting, pleasing scent, fresh and shining paintwork, and decors.
For those who are not paying attention, it’s easy to fall into this trap called staging. The key here is to maintain your objective and focus on the list of important items to check beyond interior design.
Always check the surrounding places
Another consideration is the adjacent establishments or neighbouring houses. Is the place accessible with public transport, does it have nearby shops for your house needs, or is it near a pub? These are worth considering since once you move into the property, those are the things you’ll have to face every day.
If you value your serenity, then you might want to avoid places near a club. If you want everything within your reach, then a busy neighbourhood is your best bet.
Make sure there’s no damp
If you’ve noticed a mouldy odour, blistering coverings, and walls or ceilings with watermarks, then you might want to reconsider. These signs are important because any of them indicate that the place is damp.
Thus, make sure to inspect the ceiling and all over the skirting boards as well. Watch out also for any newly painted walls; there’s a chance that they’re covering damp.
Check the plumbing
Test the taps for pressure as well as water clarity. You can also ask the seller if they have insulated the pipes and make sure the material is not lead because such should be replaced. Try the water flow and temperature in the shower pod so you may know if the boiler is still working fine.
Inspect the power lines and points
See to it that electrical wiring is all good because if you don’t check, it could be unsafe for you. Plus, a rewiring job is not cheap, so make sure to ask the seller about the soundness of electrical components as well.
And after considering the factors above, one of the most important questions you should ask yourself is, does it feel like home to you? If you find the house impressive on your first visit, schedule another viewing at a different time. Also, try to observe the neighbourhood before you decide. And, as mentioned, bring along your reliable real estate agent so you’ll be guided professionally during the viewing.
