I’m normally talking about what to do when selling your property but this time I’m going to flip the coin and look at things from the buying perspective. I’m actually looking for a property at the moment and thought it would be useful to pass on some insights, after all, if you are a seller it always pays to consider things from the buyer’s point of view.
When we view properties we often talk about the “feel” that a property gives us. A property may tick all or most of the boxes on our wish list but somehow doesn’t grab us or conversely may not be what we had on the list but we fall in love (that’s why I recommend keeping an open mind about viewing properties). The “feel” is something that I talk to sellers about because as a seller you want to create that feeling.
If you are looking to buy, when you view a property for the first time it tends to be all about that feel. When you stand outside looking at the property does it make you want to get inside – the so called kerb appeal. When you walk through the front door do you feel excited, does your instinct tell you this is “the one” and does that sensation continue as you walk round. You could say that the first viewing is all about the heart.
By contrast, second viewings are about the head. They should be an opportunity to assess the practicalities. It can be easy to be blown away by a property only to realise later that in reality it doesn’t work for you and/ or your family and it’s better to discover this before you have incurred the expense and upheaval of a purchase. I recommend taking someone with you who doesn’t have any emotional investment in the property, someone you trust and who you can rely on to offer impartial input. If there is any suggestion that there might be work to be done take the appropriate professional. On the second viewing you need to try to detach yourself and be objective. It helps to have a list of practicalities that you can consider as you go round, for example, is there sufficient storage, is there somewhere you can use as work space if you work from home, do you need a downstairs wc and if there isn’t one could one be fitted, which way does the garden face? Take a tape measure so that you can check if any particular items will fit. Look carefully inside and outside for any possible repairs that might need to be undertaken. Consider also the practicalities of the location. One thing I often find myself thinking when watching programmes such as Location, Location, Location or Escape to The Country and people talk about long commutes is “really?” If you are thinking that you would be prepared to commute say, an hour, remember to consider what that would mean day to day – what time what you have to get up, what time would you get home, would you have time to enjoy sports, would you see the children before they go to bed? Other external factors are the proximity of schools, shops, friends, family etc. So take your time to way up these different factors that way you won’t end up regretting your decision either way.
I hope that this has been helpful and, if you’re property shopping at the moment – good luck! Please contact me by phone on 07745 876182 or e mail me on info@homestyle4u.com I’ d love to hear from you.
