If you’re a first-time buyer or haven’t had much experience viewing houses, knowing the appropriate questions to ask ahead of time can save you time and money. When you set your sights on a new house, it’s critical to know exactly what you’re buying and to avoid any pricey surprises along the road. To assist homebuyers, here is a list of eight questions by estate agents in St Albans to ask while visiting a property.
Has the property been on the market for a long time?
While looking for properties for sale in St Albans, if the home has been on the market for more than four months, don’t be hesitant to inquire as to why the realtor believes it isn’t selling. There may be issues that other possible purchasers have identified, but you haven’t, so it’s critical that they are flagged right away. It could also be because the property is overvalued, causing it to sit on the market for an extended period of time.
When do the sellers intend to vacate the property?
When you’re thinking about buying a house, this is a crucial question to ask. If the sellers are stuck in a chain, it could take months for your move to be completed. However, if they are not part of a chain, the wait time may be reduced.
Property’s facing
It’s all well and good to have a lovely decking area in the garden — until you realise it gets very little sun. Enquire with the agent about the property’s orientation to ensure that you will get the most sunshine.
Is the property on the market?
As lovely as listed properties are, they may also be a pain when it comes to figuring out what adjustments you can make. If you’re short on time or money and stumble upon a listed building that needs some TLC, you might want to pass on this one.
However, if you’ve fallen in love with the property and the repairs are critical, you might want to talk to your local council’s planning services department about it.
How do your neighbours treat you?
It can be a misery to move into a house with noisy neighbours. So be forthright and inquire what they’re like. You could inquire as to whether or not the seller has ever complained about their neighbours.
What is the environment like around you?
‘How are the schools?’ or ‘Is this a safe neighbourhood to be in?’ as well as ‘How excellent are the transportation links around here?’ can all help you figure out if this is the kind of place you picture yourself living in for a long time.
Even if you do not intend to have children in the near future, having an excellent school nearby can potentially boost the value of a home.
What is the expense of maintaining the property?
Finding out about the property’s council tax bands, electricity expenses, and general operating costs can help you budget appropriately and determine whether the home is financially sustainable for you. Bills and council tax can eat up a large portion of your paycheck each month, so it’s important to know how much you’ll be paying on a monthly basis.
Is it possible that the owners might entertain a lower offer?
Some buyers may contemplate making an initial low-ball offer, especially if the estate agent is aware of the buyers’ need to sell quickly. However, the estate agent may inform you that the sellers will only accept offers over a certain amount.
If you’re thinking about making a low offer, keep in mind that if you go too low, the seller might assume you’re not serious. This may result in the vendor entirely disregarding you. So remember to be brave while remaining fair.
What has happened to the property’s value in the last few years?
This information is also readily available on the Land Registry website, so have a look and come prepared with prior sold prices and questions regarding changes in the property’s value, especially if there has been a reduction in value.
What can they tell you about the surrounding area?
What are the conditions like at the schools? What is the crime rate in your area? How good are the transportation connections? What is the location of the nearest petrol station? While it is important to hear what the estate agent says, you should also conduct independent research.
