Last minute advice

[littleone85]

So me and the boyfriend have a viewing of a house today at at 10.30 then an interview with a mortgage advisor at 12. We're first time buyers and its the first house we'll have viewed and the first time we've seen a mortgage advisor so its all a bit scary, does anyone have any last minute advice of what we should look out for, questions we should ask etc?

[raysparx1]

Hi,, seeing as ths is your first viewing of property, don'y get carried away with it and fall in love with the first house you see, it is so easy to do as you want your own place, if you do like it go back and look at 2 or 3 times take one of your dads or other relatives who knows a bit about property before you commit to buying, also don't over commit yourself with mortgage payments that will make you struggle, never offer the full asking price, things to ask, well you will want to know about any guarentees that are in place for damp, double glazing etc, what is included in the sale, carpets,curtains, light fittings, etc, enjoy it but remember to look at lots of houses before you make your mind up, it is a massive decision, good luck, and relax, there are probably other things to think of that others will suggest, Ray

[skyep]

La La - Good luck from all of us!

[hippyhoppy]

Good idea from Ray re viewing the house a few times. Try to go at different times of the day to see about traffic issues, school runs, etc. This will give you an idea of what it will be like to actually live there.

Good luck and hope you find an ideal home.

[FUZZYBEE]

Hi littleone85, how exciting for you, just to re-affirm what other guys have said. Don't get caught up in the excitement of it all, not to put a dampener on it but it's your biggest purchase so try to get it just right.
Don't overstretch yourself with mortgage, for example if you were looking for 3 bed house but you will struggle....,why not go for 2 bedroom house and look for one that has a huge loft or side garage thereby giving you the opportunity in a few years to extend when finances allow. Going at different times of the day is a great idea as you really get a picture of what goes in the road. Check out your neighbours too, we looked at an absolutely fab house but when we went upstairs we looked out on to next doors garden and the grass was about 4 foot tall with bits of cars and rubbish dumped everywhere. I never really put a thought into the neighbours before but it is quite important especially the way some folks go mental about parking outside their house.
Anyway good luck and keep us posted.
fuzzy x

[chazza]

Also, try to look beyond first impressions, bear in mind that decor can be changed, and try and look at it structurally rather than cosmetically. If possible, take someone in the building trade with you who can let you know if it is structurally sound

[Pippa68]

Great advice from everybody. What chazza has said is very important too...try to look beyond the furniture and nik naks people have in their house..try and imagine it with your posessions, or new ones you hope to buy.

I remember the things I looked at first were the bathroom & kitchen ~ both expensive to replace! everything else can be worked around.