Viewing and buying property for sale in Devon or anywhere for that matter can be compared to a psychological game of poke. There are high stakes at risk and huge rewards for the seller/estate agent to avoid inconvenient facts and bluff during negotiations. The great thing is though, that all estate agents, like the team at Strutt & Parker, legally have to tell you the truth. Therefore, the most important thing you need to know is the right questions to ask, in the following article we look at 6 of these.
Why Is The Property For Sale?
Although the sellers are under no obligation to answer this question, their response may indirectly allude to their circumstances. For instance, it is possible that the owner is faced with an urgent need to relocate due to work commitments. This information suggests that they might be more open to considering offers below the initially quoted asking price. Taking into account these nuances may prove advantageous during negotiations.
What Would You Want To Know About the House If You Were Buying It?
When a purchase, one of the biggest fears is the possibility of overlooking a significant negative aspect that others might be aware of. To alleviate this concern, it’s advisable to inquire with the estate agent and ask them if, hypothetically speaking, they were in your position, would they proceed with the purchase or if there’s anything that would discourage them. However, if you still feel that you aren’t obtaining the complete picture, you could also consider seeking opinions from neighbors or local shop owners to gather additional insights and perspectives. This comprehensive approach will contribute to making a well-informed decision.
What Is Included In The Sale?
This is an important question to consider when purchasing a property. It’s crucial to clarify whether amenities like greenhouses and sheds are included in the price or if the owner intends to take them upon moving. Additionally, it’s essential to inquire about the inclusions of fittings and fixtures. If they are not included, you may need to allocate additional funds to acquire them. Taking the time to thoroughly understand what you are getting for the asking price before signing any contracts is paramount to making an informed decision.
How Long Has It Been Up For Sale?
Asking this question will give you an indication about how desperate the seller might be at this point. If you find out the house has been on the market for longer than 3 months you could ask the estate agent why they think it has not sold yet. It could be an indication that the property is overpriced or just that there are problems with it that other people have wised up to.
How Long Have The Sellers Lived In The Property?
If they have not lived there very long before putting the house up for sale, it is wise to find out why. It could be that they have had disputes with the neighbours or just that the neighbours are too loud.
Has The Property Changed Hands Many Times?
If the property has changed hands repeatedly in a short amount of time, it could be an indication that there is something seriously wrong with it. You could ask the estate agent for details of previous owners to see if you could contact them and ask them directly why they moved out after such a short period of time.
