Whether you’re just getting a foot on the property ladder, or looking for your second or third home, buying a house can be a stressful time.
The key to getting it right is to attempt to remove your emotions from the equation. Having a set list of questions to ask when viewing properties for sale in St Helens will help you to avoid making mistakes, or rash decisions that you may come to regret.
So, what are these important questions that every potential home buyer should ask when viewing houses for sale in St Helens? Read on to find out!
1. How long has the property been on the market?
Before you even book a viewing for a property in St Helens, ask the estate agent this vital question. It’s also a good idea to ask if there have been any offers.
The answers given should give you an understanding of whether there may be any issues with the property. If it appears to be reasonably priced but has been on the market for months, there may be something that is putting buyers off.
2. How long have the current owners lived there?
If the property has had numerous owners in a short space of time, it’s worth doing some research as to why this might be. Whilst it’s not always the case, noisy or unpleasant neighbours are a common reason for quick turnovers.
3. Have the owners done any work on their property in St Helens?
Whilst this work could have been done simply to increase the value of the property, or to improve living conditions, asking this question may flag up any underlying problems.
When purchasing a house in St Helens, it’s vital that you have a survey conducted to ensure that it is structurally sound.
4. What is the reason for selling the property in St Helens?
You may feel like you’re being a little nosey by asking this, but you’re well within your rights to do so.
Finding out more information about the seller’s position will help you understand the best way to move forward.
5. What are the neighbours like?
If the current owners seem hesitant in answering this question, it’s worth investigating why.
Are the neighbouring properties in St Helens kept in a good state of repair? It’s a good idea to talk to the neighbours, too, if you can. Finding out who you’ll be living in close quarters with could save you a lot of hassle further down the line.
6. Running costs for property in St Helens
Things like council tax and utility bills can add up to a large chunk of your monthly budget, so it’s vital that you find out how much these will be before you get too attached to your dream property in St Helens.
7. Are the owners intending to leave anything at the property?
This isn’t a cheeky question, it’s important that you know if they are leaving anything behind so that you can get yourself organised.
The current owners may decide they’d like to leave the white goods or garden furniture, and could even be grateful for you taking the items they no longer need.
If there’s anything you’d particularly like to be left at the property in St Helens, you may be able to come to a financial arrangement regarding this.
8. What is the area like?
When looking at houses for sale in St Helens, it’s important that you find out as much information as you can about the specific area you’re interested in.
A good estate agent should be able to give you information about schools, local amenities, parking, congestion, and anything else you may want to know about the area.
Get in touch
Here at Stapleton Derby, we are proud to be a leading estate agent in St Helens, with extensive knowledge of all areas. Our knowledgeable team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about houses for sale in St Helens, so why not get in touch today?
You can give us a call on 01744 883322 or send us a message using our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
