What should you not tell an estate agent when viewing?
Talking you out of the best deal
Never let the estate agent know your bottom line (if you're selling) or your maximum budget (if you're buying). Otherwise the chances are you'll end up having to settle for it. If you're selling, it's important you're on the same page as your estate agent.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer although it's almost always a good idea to view a property more than once before making an offer. Typically, people will view houses between 2-4 times before making an offer, but you should view a property as many times as you need to to be sure it's the right one for you.
Wear a Comfortable + Appropriate Outfit
It's not a fashion show so leave the Armani suit and Jimmy Choos at home. That said, a tank top and Daisy Dukes are inappropriate. Keep it reasonable. Plus, you're going to do a lot of walking through rooms and up and down stairs so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Drive by. First impressions shouldn't be underestimated. ...
- Be prepared. Make a list of all the things that are important to you and any questions you want to ask before the house viewing. ...
- Take a friend. ...
- Check the outside of the property. ...
- Be thorough. ...
- Check the plumbing. ...
- Check the bills. ...
- What's included?
- Make the Highest Offer.
- Ensure You're Prequalified for a Mortgage.
- Insert an Escalation Clause.
- Make an All-Cash Offer.
- Eliminate Contingencies.
- Remain Flexible With a Closing Date.
- Work With a Good Real Estate Agent.
- Write a Personal Letter to the Seller.
- Say you've been looking for a while. ...
- Be confident about your choice of neighbourhood. ...
- Don't ask questions you don't need to. ...
- Read the listing first. ...
- If your interest is genuine, show it. ...
- But keep your other offers to yourself. ...
- Try looking at the end of the year.
Disclosing offers on a property. An Estate Agent must disclose all offers to a Seller promptly and in writing. Furthermore, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme requires agents to confirm with the potential buyer that their offer has been forwarded to the Seller.
- How much mortgage can I afford? ...
- What do I need to qualify for a loan? ...
- Should I get a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage? ...
- What is PMI? ...
- Should I get a 15 or 30-year mortgage? ...
- How much should I put down? ...
- What are mortgage points? ...
- Will I have to pay closing fees?
- Check the boiler. Does it look in reasonable condition? ...
- Check the windows and doors. ...
- Test the taps, showers and toilets. ...
- Check the lights and sockets. ...
- Look for stains on floors, carpets and walls. ...
- Examine the walls for cracks. ...
- Check for signs of mould and damp. ...
- Check all the appliances work.
A typical house viewing lasts an average of 30 minutes, so don't necessarily expect to find out everything on your first visit. You might not be the only person viewing the property, so try not to hang around too long, although the estate agent is likely to usher you out before you get the chance.
What questions should I ask when buying a new build house?
- 1 – What else have you built? ...
- 2 – What do I get with my new build home? ...
- 3 – What is included with the new home warranty? ...
- 4 – Freehold or Leasehold? ...
- 5 – How many other properties have been sold? ...
- 6 – What help is available for purchasing our new build home?