What to Check When Buying a House Before Committing

1. What to Check When Buying a House Before Committing

2. Buying a house is one of the most important investments that you will ever embark on, so it's important to be fully aware of what you're in for before you make such a substantial financial investment. From le- gal fees and various taxes, to repairs and moving costs, there is a long list of things you need to consider before you sign on the dotted line. Buying a house should never be a decision that you take lightly, and although you may initially think that you have found your dream home, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don't take the time to check every nook and cranny of the property before you buy. Here are few things that you should check before you commit to buying a new house. Inquire About the Inquire About the Location Location Getting a fantastic deal on a great home is always welcome. But if the deal seems too good, and the home itself seems to be in good working order, then it is possible that it’s the location of the house that is driving down the price. That being said, it is never a bad idea to look into the crime rate of the area you are planning to buy a home in.

3. Have the Electrics Have the Electrics Checked Checked The wiring and electrics of a house are the most important things to check on before committing to buy. But this is often overlooked because it is an aspect of the property that is not vis- ible to the naked eye. Things such as; light switches, plug sock- ets, internet sockets, and breaker panels etc, should be thor- oughly looked over (ideally by a professional) to ensure that they are not only in good working order, but more importantly safe. A home with poor or badly kept wiring and electrics can cost hun- dreds or even thousands of pounds to have repaired or replaced. It is also important to note that poor or faulty wiring is a major cause of house fires in the UK. Check for Mould & Check for Mould & Water Damage Water Damage Water damage can cause a myriad of problems ranging from mould to wood rot. These are not only harmful to your homes structure, but to your health as well. Bathrooms, cellars, and kitch- ens are the most common places where mould and water damage can occur, but they can also be found anywhere in or outside of the home.

4. Have the Heating & Have the Heating & Water Inspected Water Inspected If you're like most, you are more than likely unfamiliar with the ins and outs of boilers, and plumbing etc. Heating and plumbing can be extremely expensive to repair, and even more expensive to replace. So, ensuring that they are up to scratch and in good working order is essential. Finding substandard heating and water doesn't have to be a deal breaker though. Often, if you find these issues before you com- mit to buying, the homeowner may agree to either have the issues re- paired before the sale date, or lower the price to accommodate the cost of fixing them.

5. Is the Home Large Is the Home Large Enough? Enough? Even if you're planning to downsize your home, you want it to be spa- cious enough that you're comfortable. Many people make the mistake of over downsizing, and end up regretting their purchase soon after they have moved in. Before you commit to any property, make sure that you can live comfortably in a smaller space. It is also important to consider whether the house will be large enough for you in the long run. Young families often buy a home based on their family’s current size, but neglect to consider that their family may grow- requiring them to have both extra space and addi- tional bedrooms. You may also decide later that you want to start a home business, which will need office and/or storage space. That's why you should always choose a home that is slightly larger than what you think you need. It's always better to have too much space, then not enough.

6. Thank You For Reading Contact Us Greenaway Residential Estate Agents Boscobel House, 109 High Street, Crawley West Sussex RH10 1DD T 01293 561188 www.greenawayresidential.com