How to View a Property with Your Head and Your Heart
by Guest on Apr 23, 2013
Buying a property of your own is the biggest purchase you’re likely to make in your life so it’s important to rule with your head as well as your heart when viewing houses, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. Many buyers, whether they are purchasing a house for a first, second or even third time, let emotion command the viewing process meaning many put in an offer without looking at the property logically.
When you love the look or feel of a home, it is all too easy to miss things like a damp patch on the ceiling, a crack in an exterior wall or another warning sign but with our property viewing guide you can make the right decision all around and secure a home that is an exciting and sound investment.
Devise Your Action Plan
Before you view any houses, make sure you and your family are clear on the type of home you want to live in and devise a list of the property wants and needs. Having a clear and well thought out house-buying plan ensures you know exactly what you are looking for and can provide a clear brief for your real estate agent to work to. If you’re searching for properties without professional help, an action plan gives you the confidence to pinpoint suitable properties more efficiently.
View the Property More Than Once
Visiting a house two or more times ensures you can make a confident and informed decision when buying. Not only do multiple visits make it easier to ask questions you may not have asked the first time round but it also gives you chance after chance to spot things that may have missed and iron out any potential deal-breakers. On the first visit satisfy your emotional wants and ultimately answer the question ‘does it feel like home?’ Then on your second or third visit, you can enter the house with a clear head and look at the whole property more practically. Never buy a property without seeing it for yourself, even if you are buying at auction.
Indulge Your Senses
It takes the use of every sense to successfully view a property. Use sight to look at the practical elements (i.e. storage and space) and to look out for warning signs like hairline cracks in walls and peeling wallpaper. The smell can also provide all the information you need regarding one common household problem – damp. Even if you don’t see signs of damp, a musky smell can be all your need to highlight the problem so keep your nose open! Sound is also an important sense to utilize; try to visit at rush hour and listen out for traffic noise.
Scope the Area
It’s not just the property itself you are investing in, you’re also committing to living in a certain area so spend some time looking around your neighborhood and its amenities.
Call in the Professional
We would always advise getting a thorough survey completed at any house you are looking to purchase before committing. However, don’t be put off by the prospect of minor repairs and improvements; this can be the best tool in a buyer’s arsenal for negotiating the price of the property.
Our guest author, Brittany Moodie, is the Content and Marketing Manager at LocalTraders, a platform that specializes in connecting homeowners with reliable, qualified tradespeople. As specialists in home and garden improvements, they can ensure your property is upgraded professionally.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
90189 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
71091 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70479 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
49749 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29516 Views
Latest Articles
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
![What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?](http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/uploads/a/admin/construction_47639__e04de.jpg)
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
What is a Local Builders Association?
There are also state and local home builder associations that are working to remove barriers to housing construction. National Association of Home...
Not Just for Wood: Home DIY Projects Made Easier with a Jigsaw
There are so many reasons why even the most basic of DIYers should have a jigsaw. Every time you saw a piece of wood and wish the result was just a...
Garbage Disposer Troubleshooting, Repair Tips and Parts
There aren't many parts of your garbage disposer that you can service yourself. When it fails, you may have to replace it. These tips will help...
Buying Property Near the Beach
What does one look for when buying property? If you want to live in a serene environment away from all the noise and forgot about being right in...
Advantages of Using an Electric Range
Among cooking enthusiasts, the debate can become very heated when discussing whether a gas or electric range is better. Gas stoves have...