Questions to Ask Yourself at a Property Inspection
One of the dangers of house hunting is that you could become so enamoured with a property that you forget to ask yourself the crucial practical questions. To keep yourself on track, it’s best to arrive prepared with a checklist.
Is a spare bedroom actually necessary? Do you need lawn in the back yard for your dog to dig holes in? Is a second bathroom or en-suite required? Do you need room for a granny flat or separate studio? Write down your absolute must-haves (and must-not-haves) to keep track of the properties you inspect.
After you’ve taken care of these fundamentals, here are 12 important things to think about when you’re searching for a new residence.
Does the property suit you?
You can sense the “flow” of the property without being an expert in feng shui. Is the arrangement logical? Do the rooms fit your demands in terms of size? Will your large appliances and furniture fit, and if not, is it affordable to replace them? Is the kitchen up to par if you’re a home Master Chef? Is there enough room at the table for all of your friends if you’re an entertainer?
Does it have enough light?
To achieve a more realistic perspective, turn off all the lights (the agent has probably turned them all on). Where is the northern sun, and where are the windows? Look for structures or trees that will block the light. Try to return at other times (such as sunset) to get a sense of how it is, as the inspection will likely have been scheduled during the nicest time of day.
What are you going to do with your vehicle?
Think about your parking choices if you have a car and the home lacks a garage. Are off-street parking spots sufficient? Enquire about parking limitations and the cost of visitor and resident permits. Will it be challenging to park on the street during busy times?
Is it conveniently located for public transportation?
Where is the closest bus stop or train station? Is the line well served? Consider the distance you are willing to walk. This could be a crucial topic for kids, visitors and prospective future renters or buyers, even if you don’t need to use public transport yourself.
How do the neighbours behave?
To have an idea of the neighborhood’s vibe and the condition of the other residences in the vicinity, take a stroll around the nearby streets. (It’s worth doing this at night and on the weekend as well, if you’re serious about the property.) Is the property directly visible to the neighbours? The council can tell you whether they have submitted any development plans; it’s important to know if the nearest neighbour intends to divide their block and construct four three-storey townhouses.
Is it noisy?
Do the neighbours share walls with the property? If it’s an apartment, can you hear the neighbours through the ceiling and are there any above you? Examine the insulation of the property: are the windows double-glazed, are there gaps in the doors and windows, and is there carpet? The noise levels inside will be influenced by all of these factors. Look for local schools and sports facilities outside (return during recess).
How’s the water?
Nobody wants to turn on the taps only to get a trickle at shower time. Make sure you have the proper amount of force and heat by checking the water pressure. Will you need to spend a lot of money on this, or is the hot water heater large enough for your needs? Make sure everything is running well by flushing the toilets.
How does the ventilation, heating, and cooling work?
Verify whether any air conditioning or heating systems are operational, as well as their age and whether they have had any recent maintenance. Although high ceilings are beautiful, remember that heating them can be challenging and costly. Test the extractor fans in the bathrooms and kitchens.
Where will you store your stuff?
Is there adequate storage? If built-in wardrobes are available, do you like them? If not, is there space in the bedrooms to install them? Can you fit your car, boat, workbench, hobby project, and everything else you need to store in the garage, if there is one?
Do you want the outdoor area?
If you want to grow vegies, you need outdoor space. You might be content with a tiny balcony or patio. Or you might want to stay away from lawn mowing altogether. Do you have pets than need room to run? Consider your final goals for the backyard or outdoor space, make sure the property provides the space you seek, and be willing to put in the necessary work to make it yours.
Are the fittings and fixtures in good condition?
Power outlets may be scarce or oddly positioned, particularly in older homes (look in the bathrooms especially). Keep an eye out because they might be concealed by furniture. Verify the cleanliness and functionality of the light fixtures, flyscreens, blinds, drapes, carpets and other permanent features.
Is the property safe?
Do the doors have deadlocks? Are the windows secure? If there aren’t any security doors, will you have to install them? What is the external security like if it’s an apartment? Does the main door lock, do other residents seem to take care to keep it closed, and how does the security code operate?
These are the essentials, though you may have other things on your own list. The most crucial step is to create your own list—yes, write it down—and to follow it!
Talk to an expert
While we’re not experts at what you want from a property, we can help you get your finances in order. Our expert brokers can compare hundreds of loans to help you find the best one to suit your personal circumstances. We’ll even help with the application paperwork!
Take advantage of a Mortgage Broker Sydney broker. Our service is 100% free to you and our advice is totally obligation free. We’re dedicated to helping our clients get into their dream home sooner.
Contact Mortgage Broker Sydney today.
Michael began his career in the finance industry over 35 years ago. He progressed through the ranks at the CBA in both retail and corporate lending, culminating in a senior position as a Corporate Relationship Executive. His decision to leave the bank in 2003 to become an independent mortgage broker was driven by his desire to assist everyday customers break through the jargon of the banking world and access the best loan products in the market. His experience is wide-ranging from helping first time buyers to large commercial enterprises. What Michael doesn’t know about home loans, simply isn’t worth knowing!