How to choose the right home

NOW you know where you want to live, it’s time to fiND A HOME. SIGN up to websites like RIGHTMOVE OR ZOOPLA AND GET TO KNOW THE LOCAL ESTATE AGENTS TO fiND OUT when new places come on THE MARKET. When they do, it’s vital to arrange a viewing. Go with a friend who can give a dispassionate opinion – it’s easy to fall in love with a place and not notice the problems, or dismiss an otherwise fantastic property because you don’t like the décor. When you arrive, check out the immediate area – are there lots of takeaways nearby that could become rowdy at night; is it near a noisy road and can you walk to the local shops/bus stop/station? Now look at the property. Is there space outside to park or put the bins? Has it been kept in good condition and do the windows, doors and roof look solid? They cost a fortune to replace. Which way does it face? If the garden is facing north, you won’t get the sun. DOUBLE-CHECK EVERYTHING! ONCE inside, don’t be fooled by ‘staging’. Question whether the smell of baking bread is concealing a damp problem. Has the place been given a once-over with a tin of paint to hide an otherwise bad state of repair? Is the TV on to cover the fact you can hear the next-door neighbour’s every word?

Are the rooms the right size for your family? Will your furniture fit? How much storage space is there?

Now turn on every tap and light and ask if the heating can be switched on,

so you know everything works and the water pressure is OK. New plumbing and electrics are expensive. As is a new boiler, so check it’s not too old. Don’t be afraid to open the cupboards to check inside and move furniture and rugs to see what’s underneath. Many a mat hides a nasty stain. Check out the state of the carpets, tap the walls for damp or poor plasterwork and look behind sinks for signs of water leaks. Count the number of power points in each room – are there enough for your TVs, satellite boxes, laptops and phone chargers? Check the strength of your mobile signal and find out the broadband speed.

Finally, get up into the attic to see if it’s insulated and how much storage space is available.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

NOW it’s time to quiz the estate agent and seller.

How long has the seller been there and why are they selling? If they’ve not lived there long or the reason for moving seems weak, there could be a problem they’re not telling you about.

Ask about the neighbours – are they noisy? And what are the sellers leaving? The curtains, light fittings, etc?

How quickly do they need to move and have they found anywhere? This will give you an indication of whether they’d take a lower offer on the house and how speedily you could move in.

Don’t forget to find out how long it’s been on the market and if any sales have fallen through and why – again, it could indicate issues you don’t know about. Before leaving, take photos to remind yourself and make sure you know the cost of council tax and service and ground-rent charges.

If you’re still interested, speak to the neighbours and ask them of any potential problems – they’ll know if there are plans for a flight path directly overhead, for instance.

And go back at different times of the day. Look out for a lack of parking, traffic jams and school-run mums’ cars clogging up the street. Not to mention neighbours blaring out loud music.

If you still like it…put in an offer!