Top tips for viewing properties like a pro

Added on 06 March 2023

When it comes to buying property it’s important that it’s done the right way. Not only will this be your home for many years, but it’s also an investment, so while you want the perfect place that fits your criteria, it’s also important to remember that this could be an asset you’ll look to sell in the future.

With this is mind, it’s essential that when you view potential properties you take the time to be thorough and get all the information you can. 

To help make sure you don’t miss a thing and make the right choice when you do eventually make an offer, we’ve compiled the following list of tips to view a property like a pro. 

Don’t rush
We understand that this could be the 20th house viewing you’ve been to in the last few weeks, but as said earlier, you could be living in this property for decades so don’t rush through this process. It’s vital that you spend close to 30 minutes exploring the property, asking questions and just getting a good sense of how the property feels. If you just wander from room to room, taking a few glances and only trying to spot glaring issues, there’s a good chance that you’ll miss the small issues that could eventually become big issues. Taking that little extra time will not only help you spot anything that needs fixing, but will also mean you’re much more informed when you come to make a formal offer for the property.

Take a good look at the structure
At first glance the property you’re viewing may seem quite solid structurally. However a closer look at the exterior or some of the walls may reveal potential problems. This is part of the viewing when it’s best to use your head and not your heart and treat this as an inspection of a building and not viewing of a home. Be on the lookout for hairline cracks, damp, broken tiles or guttering. If the current owner has made changes to the property such as an extension, make sure to do a double check in these areas to ensure their changes are structurally sound. If you do find any of the issues mentioned above, don’t be afraid to ask questions about how long it’s been that way or if the owner plans on fixing it.

Check all plumbing and electrics
A surprising amount of people forget to check these sort of things and just assume that everything Is in working order. Sadly, this is not always the case and the seller is not obligated to inform you of any issues. Be sure to check the water pressure by running the taps and the shower and test the lights and check the condition of the power sockets as you go from room to room. Don’t forget to ask plenty of questions regarding such things as the boiler or any wiring that may need to be replaced. Old and faulty plumbing and electrics is not only costly to replace but is also dangerous, so make sure you’re fully informed on the condition of it all. 

Think about how much space there actually is.
When it comes to property space is one thing you can never have enough of. Whether you’re looking to fit in that Queen size bed or you need somewhere to store all of your precious knick knacks you’ve collected over the years, space is incredibly valuable. What you have to remember is that while it’s your job to find the faults, it’s the seller's job to present the house in its best light. This means that they’ll do everything possible to make the room feel larger, whether that be using lots of natural lighting or in some cases removing pieces of furniture all together. You have to keep in mind the home is most likely a little more cluttered on a regular day and that your furniture could take up more room than the current owner. Think about how much room your items take up and then ask yourself if there is any room for expansion.

Take a walk through the area
When you’re buying a property you’re not just investing in that building, you’re also investing in the neighbourhood itself. If you’re first time buyers and looking to build a life in this new home, you have to ask whether the area is suitable for your family’s needs. Is there plenty of shops close by? Are you near a noisy main road? How do the local schools perform? How bad is the rush hour traffic? All of these are questions you need to ask yourself and investigate. It’s best to wander around the area for a short while in order to see how it all feels, after all, if you’re going to be here for some time, you need to feel comfortable.

Once you’ve taken a good look, take another and maybe another.
As we stated at the beginning, when it comes to buying property it’s best done the right way, but even when you do everything right, it’s always best to check things twice. No matter how thorough you intend to be there is always the possibility that you missed a couple of things the first time round. Most would advise visiting a property 2-3 times and at different times of the day if possible to see if you feel the same way each time. Buying a home can be very exciting and it’s easy to get carried away with it all, but it’s important to remain level headed, take a 2nd and 3rd look at it all and really analyse if this is the right investment for you.

 

Peter Ryder

Managing Director

Thorntons Property

News Index

November 2024
11 Moving Distance
October 2024
14 Property Improvements
July 2024
29 Courteous Buyer1 Local staff, Local knowledge.
June 2024
3 A feeling of space.
May 2024
13 Location Location
April 2024
22 A Feeling of Space
March 2024
25 Buying on Instinct3 Thorntons raise £43,500 for Cash for Kids.
January 2024
6 2024 - The Year Ahead
November 2023
20 “This year - Don’t wait till Spring!”7 Making Moving Easier
October 2023
11 LEADING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY EXPERT WELCOMES ‘HEALTHIER’ MARKETPLACE
September 2023
25 Selling Tips for Autumn
August 2023
28 Location Location
July 2023
17 Optimising Your Saleability
June 2023
12 Seven Days
May 2023
15 The Power of Information
April 2023
4 GOLFERS’ PARADISE
March 2023
6 Top tips for viewing properties like a pro
February 2023
20 £37,500 raised for charity
January 2023
17 Getting ready to buy a home in 2023. 9 Home
December 2022
16 Additional Dwellings Supplement
November 2022
21 2023 Property Market Predictions
September 2022
27 Quick Tips to Maximise your Sale”
August 2022
22 Charity Wills at Thorntons Solicitors8 A Question of Preference
July 2022
30 How Many Should We See4 Plans for a Successful Sale
June 2022
6 "The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home”
May 2022
23 Making Moving Easier9 Property Market Update
April 2022
11 Should we accept the offer
March 2022
7 Quick Tips to Maximise your Sale.
February 2022
17 Thorntons donate £46K to Cash for Kids.
January 2022
24 Valuation Versus Value6 Thorntons Estate Agents Continue to Progress
November 2021
10 First Impressions
October 2021
18 The importance of using a professional photographer
September 2021
13 Virtual Tours
August 2021
30 Why Compromise16 Dundee Property Prices2 Property Market Booming in Angus
July 2021
6 Maximise Sale Prospects
June 2021
11 Client Protection
May 2021
31 Tips for Property5 Improving your property for sale.
April 2021
5 Charity Wills Campaign
March 2021
22 The Friday Move. 11 Affordability
February 2021
15 Property expert believes sales are only restricted by the number of homes coming to market8 February Market Comment
January 2021
25 Moving before Retirement18 The Independent Choice8 January Market Report
December 2020
23 Starting the New Year with thousands of prospective buyers
November 2020
9 Property Improvements
October 2020
9 October Market Comment
September 2020
14 September Market Comment
August 2020
23 Property Market Update7 Property market boom set to last three to six months
June 2020
21 Market Comment
April 2020
27 Property Market Update8 Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 - Impact on the private rented sector
February 2020
24 Leap Year10 February Market Comment3 Social Media Marketing
January 2020
27 Downsizing Dilemma8 A New Dawn6 Is A “For Sale” Board Really Necessary?”
December 2019
13 Election Result, What it means for property9 December Market Update
November 2019
18 November Market Comment4 “Timing Your Sale for the Market”
October 2019
21 Lighting Up14 October Market Comment
September 2019
23 September Market Comment9 Showing Buyers Your Property
August 2019
27 “What About The Children?” 12 Is it worth extending?
July 2019
29 Courteous Buyer15 Alarming News!1 Local staff, local knowledge
June 2019
3 “A Feeling of Space”
May 2019
6 Working with Builders
April 2019
27 “What Does Viewing Feedback Really Mean?”15 The Right People1 “Old Money’s Influence”
March 2019
4 Property Market Update
February 2019
21 Thorntons raise £62,000 for Cash for Kids16 Moving Distance5 A Grand Entrance
January 2019
28 “Home”5 2019 - The Year Ahead.
October 2018
3 “Should I, Shouldn’t I?”
September 2018
17 Other Forces11 Act Now for a Xmas Move. 3 Supporting the Fun-Fuelled Club
August 2018
31 Market Comment13 “Plans for a Successful Sale”2 Interest Rate Rise Aug 2018 - Market Comment
July 2018
24 “Ten Branches - Our Secret Weapon”
June 2018
17 “Why Use An Estate Agent At All?”2 The Skilled Agent
May 2018
14 “Waiting in Hope?”
April 2018
16 “Buying an Unmodernised Property”
March 2018
19 “Will the Internet Replace Estate Agents?”
February 2018
5 “Identity Caution When Moving House”
January 2018
22 “How Long Has It Been On The Market?”8 “Valuation Versus Value”
November 2017
13 “Defects And Disputes – Should I Disclose Them?”2 The first interest rate rise in a decade
October 2017
16 “Selling Tips for Autumn”1 “Might Sell, Might Not!”
September 2017
25 “Prepare to Paint”16 “Ask the Expert!”
July 2017
31 “Working from Home”24 “Something to Shout About”
June 2017
26 “Improvements – Are They Worth It?”21 “Location, Location”10 Agents’ Skills in Demand
May 2017
22 “Deciding on Price” (Part Two)10 “Deciding On Price” (Part One)
April 2017
24 “Advertising for Results” 11 “Put your back into it”1 “Who’s Choosing Your Home?”
March 2017
20 “Hit The Road”13 “Catch 22 –Should I Sell First or Buy?”6 “Working In Partnership with your Estate Agent”
February 2017
27 FEB REPORT - “Slow Growth with Strong Demand”20 “Why Overpricing May Leave You Out Of Pocket”13 “Cupid the Estate Agent?”7 “How Long Has It Been On The Market?”
January 2017
29 Market report – January 20178 “How Many Should We See?”
December 2016
17 “Should Your House Have Sold By Now?”5 “Removal Planning”
November 2016
27 “A Winter’s Sale?”21 “Distorted Opinions?”14 “The Advertising Myth”7 “A Move by Christmas?”
October 2016
31 “Finding the Right Property”17 “Relative Values”
September 2016
26 “It’s Not Just About Selling”19 A Proactive Approach Essential5 Avoid Virtual Tours
August 2016
29 How Serious is my Buyer?22 Clutter Costs !15 The Feelgood Factor8 The Agent you Prefer - at the Right Price
July 2016
25 Choosing Your Solicitor18 Should I Sell During the Summer Holidays?1 What does Brexit mean for the Scottish property market
June 2016
17 5 methods for improving your kerb appeal17 Tips for saving for a deposit
May 2016
30 Property perfect move for Natalie
January 2016
29 Thorntons Top after ESPC Mystery Shop
December 2015
22 Increased buyer demand will drive house prices up during 201620 Property solicitor gives local food bank a boost15 Second home levy will boost Dundee property market
November 2015
11 Unique opportunity to buy a stunning new home in an award-winning development in St Andrews
September 2015
16 Tayside property specialists lead the way in boom time

Thorntons Lettings Essentials

Our Team
Knowledge and expertise to help you find the property you really want.
Find out more
Property Letting
Friendly staff committed to helping you find your new home.
Find out more
Landlords
We offer flexible solutions to suit your requirements.
Find out more
Tenants
Our experienced staff are fully committed to helping you every step of the way.
Find out more