VIEW THE PROPERTY IN PERSON

Make sure your agent knows what you are looking for before you meet them. Use the internet to research properties that are on the market, even if they are not listed with your agent. You can then inform your agent of what you have seen so they can focus their time on suitable possibilities.

When it comes to viewing properties, make sure you keep an open mind. Things like parking, noise and surrounding areas can make or break whether or not you want to buy there. As one house in the same street is different from another. When viewing properties it doesn't matter what time of day you do it. For example, some buyers will go at night when traffic has died down, while others will go in the afternoon to see how the area is when filled with people.

Once you have found a property that you are interested in asking your agent if they could send out some documentation for it. This document might include items such as services, deeds or title details which can be beneficial when deciding whether or not to purchase the property.

Don't rush to make a purchase when viewing properties. All too often buyers get carried away after seeing what they believe to be their perfect home and they end up making offers that are either too low or too high simply because they cannot wait any longer to purchase a perfect home.

The internet is a very useful tool when it comes to looking at properties and has a wealth of information available that can help your search. You must understand what you are reading though as it might have been written by someone who knows little about the actual property they are writing about. Make sure you use this information as a guide only and ensure you view the property before making any final decisions.

When looking at homes posted online, make sure to read everything about it. Some ads might not include all of the information required to make a decision or there might be other fees involved that are not included in the asking price. For example, some sellers might not include the transfer fees in the advertised price, so you could end up paying more than expected.

When viewing properties you must take into consideration what type of neighbourhood it is located in and how quiet or noisy it will be after dark. If your main reason to purchase a property is for peace then you might want to avoid looking at properties in busy areas.

When viewing homes, it's important to look inside as well as outside the property. Make sure you check for things such as damp and mould, if there are any issues take notes so you can inform your agent. These things might have been fixed by the owner but it doesn't hurt to double-check. When looking at properties, don't just rely on what you have read online or are told by your agent, get out there and look for yourself. It's no good knowing the asking price of a property if it is sold before your offer can be processed.

Always use an estate agent when purchasing a property. As professional agents don't only sell properties, they will also carry out a market search and negotiate offers with the seller. The whole process can be rather confusing so it's in your best interests to use an estate agent who specialises in buying and selling your type of property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home that has been recently built then it is important to view it soon after the builders have finished. There are so many variables when it comes to construction that you can’t rely on what has been promised in the sales brochure or by the builder.

When viewing properties, don't let your emotions run away with you and focus on facts rather than feelings. Yes, all properties are different but don't be led by excitement or disappointment.

Take someone with you when viewing properties so they can offer their own opinion. A second person's opinion might be slightly biased because it's not them who is making the purchase, so make sure you take someone neutral with you when looking at places to live. When viewing properties, it's important to be prepared for what you might find. If the property has been empty for a while there is always the possibility that furniture will need replacing or repairs will be needed.