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How to view properties?
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23.08 '07
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Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when looking for the house of your dreams:
* View the properties as soon as possible. Leave it too long and you could lose out. Keep in mind our viewing checklist.
* Make good use of your lunch hours or make appointments on the way to and from work.
* If two of you are buying together, decide who will be the chief viewer, and weed out all but the strongest candidates.
* Don't be afraid to make numerous visits with tradesmen to find out what you're letting yourself in for.
* Check the history of any scruffy - and therefore cheaper - property. If it's been rented it may have had a succession of landlords, all of whom may have done the bare minimum in repair and upkeep.
* If you're tempted to buy a run-down property to renovate and sell on, check how long it's been on the market. If it's been there a long time, it suggests there isn't a lot of profit to be made. Find out more in our renovating for profit section.
* New carpets, bathrooms and kitchens can be signs of a superficial renovation that is hiding more serious work to be done.
Viewing Checklist
1) How much is the council tax for the area?
2) Is the property lease or freehold?
3) Is there allocated parking?
4) If there isn't, is it easy to park?
5) Does it have a private or shared garden?
6) What aspect is the garden?
7) If the property is leasehold, how much is the ground rent?
8) Does the property have central heating?
9) What are the neighbours like?
10) What are the local schools like?
11) Are transport links good?
12) How far is the nearest station?
13) Is the area noisy?
14) Where are the nearest shops?
15) Is the property tied up in a chain?
16) How quickly would the owners like to move?
17) Has any building work been done on the property since the owners moved in?
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