Are you someone who is looking for a new place to live? Chances are, you will be aware that the process can be an exciting yet confusing one.
Any house can be a home. Remember, there is plenty of time to make somewhere suited to your personal preferences. If you are currently visiting properties, you should try to keep an open mind. An empty property might not offer much inspiration!
How can you decide whether a property is right for you during viewings? What should you look out for? Have a look at our handy checklist. If you tick more than 5 out 10, then the property might be a match made in heaven.
Tips for looking at the Exterior
Does the property include any parking?
If you own a car or want to consider buying one, a parking space will be an important factor in moving to a new property. Different properties on offer will have road parking which is useful however, you might find it highly irritating if a road is a busy one. If you can’t park your car with ease, it can bring on a troubling situation. This factor will be of higher importance if you have a family, as off road parking much easier to work with.
If you are a young professional and are thinking about buying a city apartment, look out for any hidden parking costs. Many buildings will have parking available but might only be available for a added cost.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a car and don’t need one either, a property such as a flat or small house could be right up your street. This way, you won’t be paying extra for something that won’t be of any use to you.
Is your first impression of this property positive?
It’s often said not to judge a book by it’s cover. But when you are considering moving to a new home, this is the first thing you will be thinking about. At the end of the day, returning home from work should be an experience that relieves you. You should never walk up to your property thinking it’s an unattractive building. As a buyer or renter, you need to feel like the property is inviting. Let’s not forget, you’ll be spending the majority of your time there.
The key is to make sure you take a close look at the building’s fittings. You will need to judge the condition of thewindows, doors, roofing and anything else that can affect a property’s durability.
It’s highly important that you recognise whether the building is in good condition before you make any decisions. If you have any doubts, you can get this house surveyed before you take any next steps.
Does this property include a garage or a shed?
A garage might not be an absolute must have, but remember, this can add to the value of your house. Plus, a garage can be a great place for extra storage!
Moving into your new home is an exciting time, however, it can be stressful if you have clutter filling the rooms. This is where a shed or garage comes in handy. Before you are completely settled in, you can use a garage or shed for storage so you can get organised. Afterwards, a garage could be a home for extra cars or you could even use part of it as a utility room to save space. Converting either would be make them an even more useful feature to have.
Does this property have front and/or back garden?
It’s always great to have a garden that, once beautifully presented, could add value to a property.
Even though it would be lovely to have a huge garden, you need to ask yourself whether you are capable of the upkeep. If it’s a large garden, it will take a fair amount of effort to keep tidy. Do you have the time? If you don’t you will need to decide how you will maintain the outside space.
If any of this is out of the question, it might not be the right property for you. On the other hand, if you love gardening, a property with a garden could be an absolute dream. Have a read more about how much a “curb appeal” can add to your property’s value here. If you would also like to read about back gardens and their value, visit here.
Tips for looking at the Interior
Will your furniture fit inside the appropriate rooms?
It’s always important that you measure any furniture you will take with you to a new property. You might love an open plan kitchen/diner in a potential home, but if your last home had separate rooms, you need to think about whether everything will have a place! Start to piece together what each room will look like once you move in, with your existing belongings, giving you a better idea of space.
Is your lifestyle going to change in the next five years?
If you are renting a property, this usually isn’t an issue because you are more able to move around once your tenancy is up. However, if you are buying a property, you will need to ask yourself whether it will suit your lifestyle if it were to change. For example, do you think you will become a parent in the future? In reality, a stylish one bedroom town house might not have enough room for children. Think wisely about what you might need in the future. Ask yourself whether this property is one you can still live in for years to come.
Do rooms need renovation?
If you fancy yourself a little project, having one or two rooms that need a revamp could be great. It’s a creative way to make a house a home especially if you have remaining money to play with. Alternatively, if you want a property that is easy to move in to with no hassles. Are particular rooms in desperate need of an update? Look at the kitchen fittings, bathrooms, fireplaces and more to get a better idea. If you have no extra cash to play with, you are going to need somewhere that you can be comfortable immediately.
Are the rooms safe?
Have a look and see what the security system is like in your potential property. You’ll need to protect your home with locks and alarms. You will also need to ask if the property has fire alarms. This is now a legal requirement for landlords yet this is also extremely important to ask if you are buying a home. If there isn’t one, you can contact the local fire service to arrange a fitting for you. Safety is a massive factor when it comes to your new home and this should be at the forefront of your mind at all times. Never put yourself at risk.
We hope that if you are looking for a property that you find the perfect one that suits all your needs. If you are on the hunt for a new home, have a look at wonderful properties we have for sale at Philip James. Visit here and you might discover the house that could be your new home.