"You can't do that!" - what can you do when viewing a property

I remember when I was viewing flats with my then girlfriend and now good lady wife, she was appalled that I should think about turning on the taps in the bathroom. And when I said that I was going to use the toilet to test that the plumbing was in working order, she said that if I did that then I could find a new girlfriend. All a bit over the top, I am sure you will agree - finding a new girlfriend that is - not going to the toilet!

Ok so maybe that is a bit OTT but looking at the property to try and find its hidden defects, foibles or eccentricities is something that so many clients fail to do when they are going for that first or even that "all important second viewing" - a favourite of Kirsty Allsop.

Fail to identify these before you make the offer in the hope that you can rely upon the missives does not make any sense at all. My experience tells me that post settlement disputes tend to favour the seller rather than the buyer. The seller has so many defences to an action and will undoubtedly try and hide behind the Home Report, the surveyor or the de minimis provision in the missives which states that you are only able to make a claim if the sum total of the defects will cost more than £300 to put right. Any purchaser would be well advised to suffer some degree of embarrassment and do a bit of digging to establish those hidden gems such as poor water flow, a leaking appliance, a hob that does not work or windows that do not open before they “sign on the line that is dotted.”

Here are my top 10 list must dos when looking at a property

1. Flush the toilet

2. Test the flow of the hot water

3. Have a look at the seal round the bath – standing in the bath is maybe a no no

4. Look for a For Sale sign in an odd place – covering something up?

5. Look under odd placed rugs – what is it hiding?

6. Jump – like Van Halen – spongy floor may indicate rot?

7. How old are the sockets – may need a new fuse box?

8. Ask to test the alarm

9. Ask them to but on the heating

10. Turn on the shower

All clients need to remember that this is one of the most important financial decisions that they will ever make. It is galling to think that many a client will spend more time in buying a pair of shoes or a suit than they would viewing a property. I can say that because I have done so and it is only luck that I have not lived to regret it. So take my advice and ask to have a shower!

As ever delighted to have a chat to anyone looking to step onto the property ladder. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.