What do you need to do to get the most out of all those house viewings? Unless you’re lucky enough to fall in love at first sight, home hunting means that you’ll be spending quite a bit of time at viewings. Finding that perfect property is pretty exciting but it can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Remember your deal breakers. It’s good to make a list of what’s important to you that you can focus on and use to compare properties. How many bedrooms do you absolutely need? Do you want outdoor space? Is there enough storage? Things like this might seem easy to discard at the initial stages, but they’re the things that over time, might drive you mad.

If you like to entertain check what direction to the sun the house is facing. A south facing aspect is usually desirable as it means that you will get the evening sun, and most likely have a bright house throughout the day. A north facing garden might get some morning sun, but it won’t last throughout the day and could make for a darker house. West and east facing are also aspects to be considered when you are house hunting, so make sure you know which way it is facing before making an offer!

Is there any work that needs to be done? What condition are the windows in? Are you already thinking about walls you’d like to knock down? Think about how much work you’d realistically be willing to take on and find out how much it might cost.

Don’t get wooed by set dressing. There are professional tricks for making you fall for a property. The smell of fresh coffee, nice music playing and fresh flowers all help make you feel warm and fuzzy but try and look beyond the finishing touches.

Have a list of questions for the estate agent so you don’t forget anything. Find out how long the property has been on the market for. If there have been any offers or a lot of interest. If you’re at an open viewing with lots of people around and you can’t speak to the agent properly, have your questions to hand for a follow up email or phone call.

Remember you can have as many viewings as you need. If you love it go back a second time with someone who’s opinion you really value.

Try not to get emotionally involved until you’re further down the line. It’s easy to get your heartbroken but at the beginning be cold and ruthless and strike properties that aren’t 100% perfect off your list and move on. The right one is just around the corner.

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