No property is perfect on all fonts except the one you have built yourself. When buying a house, you have to view it yourself, and to make the most out of a property viewing, ensure you are informed as much as possible. It is also good to speak to your mortgage broker before starting the process to ensure you have an accurate idea of your budget.
Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you view house and land deals in Wyndham Vale in Australia.
Examine the structure of the property
When viewing a property, check the exterior first. Ensure you walk around the house’s exterior, examining the walls and the roof. Watch out for cracks on the walls, damp walls, missing or loose tiles on the roof, and broken guttering. If there are any disturbing signs on the property’s structure, ask questions to find out what the cause is and whether it can be fixed. It is also advisable to conduct an independent survey for thorough checks on the house.
Check what is included in the property sale.
When viewing a house, this is the perfect time to check what is included in the property sale and what is not. While some properties come with house appliances like built-in stoves, refrigerators, air conditioners, and others, some do not include these appliances and are removed when the house gets a buyer. If there are uncertainties about who owns the garden or parking space, get the confirmation in writing.
Check out the neighborhood.
The neighborhood matters a lot when buying a house. It is best to walk around the general area and check how close your home is to grocery shops, cafes, schools for your kids, local shops, transport links, and other amenities that matter to you. Ensure you visit during weekends and weekdays to get a good idea of the neighborhood on different days.
Open your eyes and nose.
A real estate agent may not tell you about some of the downsides of a property, and it is upon you to survey it closely. During a property view, look and smell everything. Common cover-ups include paint over damp walls or hiding cracks on the walls or rugs over floor problems. You can notice the dampness on the walls through a musty smell and be on guard for unusual scents like air freshener as they may be concealing something.
View the house more than once
The more you view a property, the more easily it is to spot potential problems. It is advisable to view a prospective property two, three, or more times before making an offer. Also, ensure you go on different days and times of the day to get an idea of the traffic, lighting, and surrounding noises. Surprisingly the idle neighborhood you saw at 11 am may be a busy commuter road at 6 pm.
Take your time
Last but not least, do not rush. Spend a reasonable amount of time viewing a house to get the feel and smell of the place.