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EXPERT ADVICE


                          See It, Love It, Buy It:

                    Viewing tips for savvy buyers


               David Marshall, from ESPC solicitor estate agent member firm
                     Warners, gives us his top viewing tips for buyers




           uying a property is the biggest   Make a list of what matters to you
           financial  decision  that  most  of  us   Before going to view any properties, make
       B make so it’s important to plan ahead   a list of everything that you want it to have.
       before viewing properties that you’re   The chances are that you might have to
       interested in. By doing so, you can help to   compromise on some things, so be strict
       ensure that you identify or investigate any   about splitting the list into the things that are
       potential issues, and that the property ticks     essential and those that are desirable, then
       all of the boxes that you’re looking for.  take the list along with you to viewings.

       Here are my top tips for house-hunters to   Read the Home Report before viewing
       get the most out of property viewings.  All  existing  dwellings  in  Scotland  will  be
                                          marketed with a Home Report. The report
                                          should include information on the condition,      Take your time                        Go more than once
                                          value, energy efficiency and charges associated   Don’t feel like you have to rush when you’re   If you see a property that you like, don’t be
                                          with the property. You can download a copy of     viewing. Go around the property at your own   afraid to go back for a second viewing. Ideally,
                                          the Home Report for properties directly from      pace, even if others are viewing at the same   go back at a different time of day so you know
                                          ESPC, or ask the selling agent to email you a     time as you. If you’re viewing a few properties   what the area is like at night as well as during
                                          copy while you’re arranging the viewing.          on the same day leave yourself plenty of   the day.
                                                                                            time to get to each one and look round them
                                          Find out what is included                         properly.                             Be nice!
                                          The extras included in the sale will generally                                          It’s human nature that we become attached
                                          be listed in the sales brochure but make sure     Check out the neighbourhood           to the property that we live in. Ideally most of
                                          to double-check what furniture and fittings the   Almost as important as the property you’re   us would probably like to sell it to someone
                                          seller will be leaving behind if there’s anything   buying is the area you’re moving into. Take a   friendly who we think will look after the home
                                          that you’re not sure about.                       walk around to get a feel for what the area is   we’ve lived in for years. It never hurts to make
                                                                                            like and make sure that it has the amenities   a good impression on the homeowner when
                                          Don’t forget storage space                        that you need. If you rely on public transport,   they’re showing you around their home. If they
                                          It’s easy to forget just how much ‘stuff’ you’ve   make sure that you know where the nearest   are faced with two similar offers, it could just
                                          accumulated over the years. Make sure that        bus, train or tram stops are too.     sway things in your favour!
                                          anywhere you move into will have enough
                                          space to store everything that you’ll want to
                                          take with you, as well as some extra space for
                                          new items that you’re likely to buy after you
                                                                                            If you’re thinking of buying a property, call Warners on 0131 667 0232 or email property@warnersllp.com and one of the team will
                                          move in.                                          be delighted to help. They don’t charge a penny for unsuccessful offers or to note interest in properties so if you see a property
                                                                                                                       that you like, get in touch today.

    14  |  espc.com                                                                                                                                          espc.com  |  15
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