Matt & Matt's 4 Tips For Better Viewings
We meet all types of buyers. The unprepared first timers, the need-more-space upsizers, the portfolio landlords. What most buyers have in common is they often forget some of the boring but essential information required to make a great property purchase!
Below are four tips for home buyers to get more out of their property viewings.
1. Get Your Mortgage Pre-Approved
Estate Agents won’t take you seriously unless you can show you are able to fund the purchase. Getting mortgage AIP (agreement in principle) is relatively easy to do online or speak to your bank/mortgage advisor about how much money you are able to borrow before you start viewing. Doing this means you are ready to act when you see a property you want to offer on.
2. Ask Questions
For most people the “perfect property” doesn’t exist and finding somewhere to call home is about deciding what you need, what you want, and what you can live without. Choosing a list of pre-set questions to ask on all viewings is a useful way to keep you on track and make sure you’ve gathered all the information you need to make an informed decision. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of parking arrangements/service charges/neighbours early in the process will prevent wasting time on unsuitable properties.
3. Take Photos / Videos
As much as it’s an agents job to get good pictures and provide floor plans with measurements – this isn’t always the case and sometimes when you get to a property it’s not how you had imagined. Ask the agent if you can take photos or make a video on your phone so you’re able to jog your memory after you’ve left and are wondering if your sofa will fit in that gap!
4. Give Honest, Unfiltered Feedback
Most viewings for one reason or another won’t result in an agreed sale. Agents are used to this and as a buyer it’s good to get in the door of as many potentially suitable properties as possible to help you understand the market better. With that said, by being open and honest with the agent about your criteria and what you did or didn’t like you give useful ammunition for them to feedback to the seller and you greatly improve the chances of them being able to help you in the future if they understand what you are actually looking for.
So there it is – 4 tips for more effective property viewings!
What will you be looking for with your next house move?!
On the hunt for your next home but haven't sold yet? Get in touch on the details below, we'd love to help!
Matthew Pulford - 07920 065 080
Matt Barrell - 07717 725 609