Buying a home is a crucial decision, and there is a lot to consider especially for first-time buyers unfamiliar with the process. With so many factors at play, it is essential to be aware of the strategies that sellers and estate agents may use to persuade you into making a purchase, even if the property is not the perfect fit.
Here, we uncover some of the common tactics designed to encourage you to commit financially.
Recent Interior Refresh.
When you step into a freshly decorated home, it is worth asking why the sellers chose to do this right before moving. While it could be an effort to increase the property’s value, it might also be a way to mask underlying issues. For instance, a new coat of paint could be hiding signs of damp or other structural problems.
While a home’s interior design might catch your eye, do not let it cloud your judgment. The real priority should be assessing the structural soundness of the property before making an offer.
Hidden Flaws in Your Floors
A brand-new laminate or vinyl floor might look great but ask yourself why it was installed. Is it a cosmetic upgrade to increase the sale price, or is it concealing problems like an unstable foundation beneath?
Replacing carpets is a common tactic among sellers looking to boost their home’s appeal and asking price. However, do not let new flooring divert your attention from possible underlying problems.
Evaluating Available Space
To make their home look more appealing, sellers often remove large furniture pieces and other clutter. This simple trick can give the false impression that the rooms are more spacious than they are in reality.
It is essential to ensure that decluttering has not gone too far. Are essential appliances still in the kitchen? Is the living room furnished as you would expect? Having key pieces in place allows you to picture how the space will work for you. Without them, the home might appear larger than it truly is.
Remember, it is your belongings that will make the house a home, not the current owner’s furnishings.
Estate Agents’ Techniques You Should Watch Out For
To make a home more attractive to buyers, estate agents may bring in ‘home staging’ experts who tidy up, refresh the space, and even add contemporary furniture or décor. But be aware that not everything you see will come with the property, even if it belongs to the seller.
An ‘open house’ is a great option for busy buyers, but do not forget that you are viewing the property on a set day and time. The weekend may be calm, but weekday traffic or noise could be very different.
Open houses often come with time constraints, leaving you with just a small window to fully explore the property. When you factor in the presence of other interested buyers, it can be easy to feel rushed into making a decision.
How to Proceed
As well as visiting a property, ideally several times, there are a few other things you need to do:
- Consider your priorities when it comes to your next home. Do you want to be close to the heart of the town or city, with local shops, restaurants, and transport options nearby, or would you rather have a peaceful setting with a garden?
- Knowing your price range is key, but it is essential to factor in other costs as well, such as solicitors’ fees, land registry charges, the cost of furniture, and any survey fees.
- A qualified chartered surveyor, unlike homeowners or estate agents, has your best interests in mind. They will deliver an impartial opinion of the property, identifying any issues and the costs involved in addressing them. This could influence how much you are willing to offer or whether you proceed at all.
Get in Touch.
At S Jones Surveying, we offer detailed and neutral building surveys feel free to reach out to us anytime for assistance.