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The Essential Checklist When Viewing A House To Buy
Viewing a house is a major milestone in the process of getting a mortgage, but there is still a long way to go and many potential pitfalls to avoid. There’s a whole spectrum of emotions involved—from excitement to downright confusion—and it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
What exactly should you be asking the estate agent at this stage? How do you know you’re getting the full picture?
To make sure you cover all bases, we’ve compiled an essential checklist of what to do when viewing a property with the intent to buy.
What to consider before viewing a house
1. Scout the local area
In many ways, the location of the house is as important as the house itself. After all, virtually everything about a house can be changed to suit your needs, but you can’t change where it is. So once you’ve found a house you like the look of, research the neighbourhood and go for a drive or a walk in the area.
Does it seem like a safe place to live? Are there schools or childcare facilities nearby? What types of public transport are available in the area? If you plan to use your bike to get around, are there decent cycle lanes in the area?
Don’t be afraid to ask people what it’s like to live there. This will give you a good opportunity to suss out your potential new neighbours, too!
2. Create a list of essentials
Sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and write out everything you’d like your new home to have. Create two separate columns — one for the ‘Must Haves’ and one for the ‘Nice to Haves’.
When you start viewing properties, take your list with you and focus on the ‘Must Haves’, the things that are essential for you to have a comfortable standard of living.
It’s unlikely that any house will be 100% perfect — there will usually be some upgrades needed here and there, and some (hopefully) small problems to be solved — but once it has the essentials, anything else is a bonus!
3. Conduct a planning search
During the buying process, the solicitor usually takes care of the planning search during the conveyancing process.
However, you can also access the planning documentation and history of the property through your local County Council. This can help you to avoid pitfalls such as finding out there was no planning permission for the kitchen extension or attic renovation, for example.
4. Ask questions when viewing a house
Ask how old the house is, what the BER rating is, why the owners are selling, and any other questions that come to mind.
The estate agent should know everything there is to know about the house, so make use of this valuable opportunity.
5. Assess the lighting
Check which direction the house is facing as this will affect how different rooms in the house look and feel at various times of the day.
Also, check the position and size of the windows — do they allow the light to spread evenly around the room? Do they make the most of the natural light that is available?
6. Test the water pressure
Checking the water pressure can alert you to any problems with the system, which could save you from having to deal with expensive repairs down the line.
7. Assess noise levels
While you are viewing the house, keep an ear out for noise in the neighbourhood.
If possible, visit the area again in the evening and at night to see if any anti-social behaviour happens after dark.
8. Check for mould
Keep an eye out for discoloured patches on walls, window frames, corners and especially in bathrooms. Areas such as these are where mould and mildew can be commonly found.
Other aspects to consider when viewing a house
There are so many other things to think about when viewing a house, from the ventilation to the gutters and fuse boards.
Make sure you view it with a critical eye and be prepared to recognise any red flags, even if it is your dream home!
Make sure you understand the full costs
Be honest with yourself about how much work the house needs.
Has it been well maintained? Will you need to take up floors or knock down walls? How old are the wiring and the fuse boards?
Big renovation projects are notorious for going over budget, and this could put a massive financial strain on you in the future.
Make sure you know what you’d be taking on before going further in the buying process.
Focus on the layout, not the square footage
Don’t get too hung up on the square footage.
The design and layout are often much more important regarding how spacious the house looks and feels inside.
Talk to the mortgage experts when viewing a house
Whether you’re a first-time buyer taking those initial steps or you’re on the verge of making an offer, we’re here to offer expert and impartial mortgage advice.
Get in touch today to speak to our dedicated mortgage team who will answer all your questions and help you to figure out your next move.
Don’t forget to also check out our blog and resources for more of the latest insights and trends regarding mortgages.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation consultation for your mortgage, pension or financial needs, get in touch here, call us on 01 6831673 or email us directly on info@symmetryfinancial.ie.
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