If I don't have a good credit history, am I able to rent a flat in the city? |
| Ever since hitting 18, I always had a bad credit history and didn't know why, and I really want to move out of my parents house. I'm meant to move in with my boyfriend, but I'm worried ... |
|
Should be wait and buy or move now and rent? |
| Which do you think would be better? My husband needs to build more credit so renting would help us afford a better home a year from now.. but buying now we wouldn't have to worry about it being &... |
|
Should I report this? |
| I work in the UK for a housing association and have a neighbour who lives opposite me and is a tenant. The thing is she claims full housing benefit and has all her rent paid for her, although she ... |
|
I bought a above ground Pool from Neighbors. They sold the house and the new Owner wants the Pool back.? |
| Do I have to give it back? My Friends said that the Pool was a attachment to the house and the new Owner will null the Contract. They are moving tonight. She wants me to drain the Pool right now so ... |
|
Refinance home after only 1 year? |
| I know there are many topics on this subject, but I need input on my situation. I just bought a home a year ago and I think I got swindled. I notice now there are many high amount loans with monthly ... |
|
Anyone know lots about mortgages? |
How much is a typical monthly mortgage payment?
How easy is it to cahnge mortgages based on circumstances?
Can you let your property without informing the mortgage lenders?
... |
|
Why do you have to have to give your landlord a set period of notice before you move out? |
I'm thinking of moving out of my flat, and have been told by my landlord to give 4 weeks notice. Why is this? Can I not just leave tomorrow with my deposit?
Any help on this would ... |
|
Should I rent an apartment or buy a condo or duplex? |
| My boyfriend and I are interested in getting a new place together in a few months. We are able to pay about $1000 in rent and have found some nice 2 bedroom places that are in our price range. We ... |
|
I'm 16, my fiance is 21, can we get an apartment together? |
We're in Virginia. I do have permission from my mother to live with him. Can we get an apartment together? If so how can we go about it? (He's military if that matters) Additional D... |
|
Is it smarter to buy or rent a home? |
| In an rented home, you wouldn't be responsible if the A/C gave out or to roof needed fixing, right. But when you buy a house, your not throwing a payment away never to see it again. When you ... |
|
Can a landlord let themself in the home with out asking? |
| I have a landlord which is also the neighbor and I find when I go on vacation they have come into the home without my approval. Is that legal? I know because they put my mail on the kitchen counter..... |
|
How many times have you moved your home? |
since being out of your parents home
do you meet the national ... |
|
|  |

nevergrowup | Help Me! I am going to see a House Tomorrow? |
What sort of questions should I ask! I am a first time buyer!
Please Help |
|


rogerglyn
 |
Don't ask any at first, show disapproval.
Then ask to see all of the rooms.
Look in all of the corners for mould shadow and around the windows.
Feel the walls front and back at low level.
Look at the front of the house, then the rear. Look for signs of greening on the wall. Also look for fine white powder on the walls. 'Deliquescent Salts' (Damp Issues).
Questions are.
1. Is there a maintenance record.
2. Why is the person selling.
3. How is the parking.
4. How close is the local pub (Yobs at night).
5. Have there been any record of Anti Social Behaviour in the area.
6. Who owns the fencing around.
7. Is there any record of subsidence in the area.
8. There is a voluntary ''End Users'' report for housing...Ask for it.
Before you accept, sit in your car between the hours of 11.00pm and Midnight near the house.
Make a note of all of your questions.
Never show excitement, you are the Buyer; let the Agent sell.
Good Luck. |
|

romfordhammer1
|
after you see the house go back again later to see if people next door have dogs or are neighbours from hell and see how the parking is. is the road a short cut for motorists |
|

mazziatplay
 |
Sit down today or tonight and make up a list of "Gotta Haves" and "Wanna Haves" that you'd find in your perfect home. Having a clear vision of what you want is the key to narrowing your search and finding the right home faster.
Next, if you aren't pre-approved for financing already, DO IT TODAY! Being pre-approved for financing gives a buyer a huge edge when there are competing offers and in negotiating a sales price. The seller then knows you are the "real deal". It will also prevent you from looking at and then falling in love with a home you cannot qualify to buy with a loan that won't cause you to lose the home later because you simply cannot support the payments.
You, like most first time buyers, may, at first, want to buy every house you see. Follow your Realtor's guidance, they can help you steer clear of those which may not be in your best interests. Speaking of which, if you don't have a Realtor of your own, get one. The seller pays their costs, not you, so why shouldn't you have someone looking out for your best interests? The listing Realtor is the seller's advocate, you need one too.
Happy hunting! Let me know if you'd like me to email you some first time buyer information. |
|

gemma_florida
 |
I work for an estate agents and have just bought my first property. Although asking how much all the bills are may sound like a good idea, please be aware that it may not be the current owners showing you around, but just a person employed by the company to do exactly that - show you around. They might not have a clue what band of council tax the property is under. The best thing you can do is have a good look round, and if you like the property, view it on more than one occasion, at different times of the day so you get a "feel" for the neighbourhood and surroundings. Take your parents or a good friend or partner with you so you don't feel overwhelmed. Remember, surveys are there to find any structural problems with the property and you do not usually get your mortgage approved without them. Hope this helps. |
|

Yerba74, Free Hugs
|
I'm gonna save this question. I'm interested in the answers! Big help! |
|

graham_uk
 |
cost of council tax, gas, electric, water
have they claimed on the household insurance and was it due to water damage etc...
who owns what fences
are the whitegoods included
when were the guttering last cleaned
don't worry about the decor, people can be put off houses because of clutter or the colour of the paint - be a little wiser!
when the boiler was put in, when was it serviced
basically when you get in there have a look at something and think...
if it goes wrong, how much will it cost me so ask
how old is it
has it been well looked after...
besides you'll know when you want it, becuase you'll get all excited! |
|

allen555
|
The questons are less important than having a good look round.
age of property
location
neighbourhood
state of repair
damp
mould
heating
fixtures fittings
cable/ sky
phone line/ broadband
decor
roof
gutters
parking
graffitti in the area
litter
bins
Have a really good look at the property, you'll never spend so much in one transaction. Ask about schools, shops, neighbours, parking |
|

natasha *
|
Just ask loads of questions, things you are wondering, such as how much is council tax? What type of noise pollution do you get? What are your neighbours like? How much do you pay for electricity? Gas? The more questions you ask, the more they think you know, the less they try and fob you off. |
|

brainlady
 |
Roof- look at that- does it need replacing
Any sign of damp or dry rot?
Central heating
plumbing
electric- number of power points/plug sockets
neighbour's house and neighbourhood- any problems visible?
Weigh up the pros and cons- against your budget and whether an up and coming area etc |
|

MICHELE K
 |
well important things are:
wiring when was it rewired.
damp when was damp proof done and is there a guarentee.
why r they moving?
neighbours. any problems?
parking
schools.
any kids in the street you can then judge how nosiy or busy it is going to be .
as with all of these questions you would have to relie on the honesty of the prople selling. However, this can be added again to your contract of sale |
|

gasman
|
go there and sit in a car for a few nights,not on a stakeout,just for 10 or 20 mins.this can give you an insight into things like noisy neighbours,rowdy kids,street lighting,drunks getting chucked out of pubs,etc.it doesnt really matter what you ask the estate agent,they will only tell you what you want to hear,your survey should answer any structural questions.go with your gut feeling,if you feel you can be happy there then you will be.good luck |
|

thinpinblue
|
Ask everything thats been mentioned,but just bear in mind from ! June if your in the UK you will be provided with everything your likely to want to know HIP at no cost to you. As I understand it detailing all the answers you`ve so far received and more. |
|

Rebel
 |
has the house ever been broken into ? |
|

Intrepid
|
Find out all the problems you would need to deal with. Ask about insulation, electricity, bills, plumbing, damp, and about the area, not just about the house. find out if there are any roadworks to be done, and so on.
Here's a tip. Bring a knowledgable friend, preferably with experience, with you, if you feel that insecure about it. S/he will ask the questions you haven't thought of.
ask, ask and then ask. |
|

CLIVE H
 |
When viewing a property just take your time, do not be rushed. The owner of the property may still be living there, unless it's a vacant possession, chain free etc. You will usually be on your own or with a friend but not the agent.
What you need to know is the state of the building. Have a good look outside and pay plenty of attention to the damp course. This is at the foot of the brickwork, any cracks in it means that damn will get into or has already got into the building. Do not buy if this is so.
Most houses are pretty standard really, room sizes may vary slightly but usually something like 14 to 15 by 12 is about average. Check all the rooms and observe quality of ceilings, walls and skirting, light fittings, doors [are they hanging straight].
Questions to ask should concern general maintenance of the house. Find out how old the boiler is - anything over 12 years and you'll need a new one very soon and that's not going to be cheap. Check the central heating if any. Have a good nose around at everything. No rush. Allow yourself at least 50 mins to 1 hour to view the entire house including garden back and front etc.
Make sure there are no large trees growing close to the house, these cause problems with foundations.
One point - do dress properly, grubby trainers are a no-no. Casual but smart is okay. You're not trying to impress anyone, but you want to let people know you know what you are doing. They will probably know already that you are a first timer - no worries, they are as keen to sell as you are to buy.
One other final point but don't push your luck - see if you can get them to knock something off the asking price. Let's put it like this, there are plenty of houses on the market but not too many buyers. I'm not saying it's a buyer's market, it isn't, but things need to be asked and this is pretty important. Like I say, you'll need to judge for yourself if you think it worth asking for a couple of grand off.
Good luck.
Oh yeah! one other useful tip, let the owner of the house you view know that you're looking at 'lots' of properties in the neighbourhood. This will help them make up their mind about dropping their price a bit, especially if they think you've already got half a deal somewhere else.
Good luck once more. Remember, you are THE BUYER.
Here's a quick check list to help you...
DAMP COURSE - no cracks in same
BRICKWORK - mortar in good cond.
DOORS - well fitted into frames no splits in woodwk etc.
CEILINGS - no cracks
WALLS - no cracks
SKIRTING - neat clean lines
CHIMNEYS - good brickwork - check if well pointed etc.
GAS OR ELECTRIC BOILER - how old
CENTRAL HEATING - how old - see it working too.
WALL CAVITY FILLING - if none you want price cut etc.
LOFT INSULATION - if none you want price cut etc.
etc
.
.
. |
|

Curious
|
Go to the property area tonight to see what kind of area it is during the evenings. Are there loads of cars parked up, are there noisy neighbours, would you walk alone in the area. I don't think it's worth asking about how much the gas, electric costs because if they have 5 kids, your bills will never match that anyway. Ask how much poll tax is per year and water rates.
Please take someone with you that has owned their own house. Never go alone as a first time buyer, you could get talked into things or fobbed off and always write notes on the paperwork you have. Otherwise when you leave you will forget what you've seen.
Check the water pressure by turning on a tap. Are fixtures and fittings (light shades, fitted kitchen, bathroom shower unit, fitted cooker, curtains staying). Which fence would be yours. Is the loft insulated, (go up and look), this is a shock to some owners but you're gonna be spending a lot of money, you don't want a pink elephant. Check there are no holes in the roof, make sure you can't see daylight. For god sake DO make sure you have a survey done if you decide to buy, the survey will show up any problems and you can then negotiate a better price.
Make sure when looking, that you ignore their furniture and decor, you can change the decor, their furniture is going with them. Is there enough room for your new big sofa, dining table, etc????
Ask which plants they will be leaving in the garden (some people have the cheek of saying they'll leave them and then the blighters take them). Is the shed in the garden staying? When last did they have the roof done? Are there any broken tiles? Look for cracks around windows, look for rain water guttering that might be broken. (signs: green marks down the wall).
Where is the stop cock? (In some houses you will find them on other peoples property, whoa betide you if you fall out with the neighbour). Ask if any new buildings or roads are planned for the area. Ask where the nearest doctors, vets, hospital is. And ask if they have any paranormal activity in their house. I once bought a flat that did, luckily, I was quite happy in the flat, but the previous owner didn't warn me. Sorry but some people like to know.
I'd better stop now - you have loads of people giving advice, and it's all good. Take notes and take a friend.
Good luck and a very big congratulations when you finally decide to buy. |
|

cornishmaid
|
Ask about the neighbours-also ask about local transport, buses, trains etc. schools. Also if any recent repairs have been carried out. Look out for gaps between the floor and skirting board as this could indicate subsidence. Checkout at the local Town Hall to see if there are any building plans-you dont want to move somewhere where there is going to be a road built!. Ask about loft insulation has that been carried out?.Good luck. |
|

Super Fun Happy Slide
 |
make sure someone knows where you are cos i heard that houses lure you in under a false sense of security and then they strike....swear to god!!! |
|

ROBIN HOOD
|
personally
i would take a builder with me
the other things you can see for yourself
like nosey neighbours........etcetc |
|

Kevin K.
|
Remember, if you use a realtor, they charge you no fee. A realtor will have lots of disclosers about the property to protect you. |
|

Bob the Boat
|
Hi,
you seem to have some splendid answers which I would not disagree with, so as an addendum - if the property is a recent build, give the internal walls a slight knock. If they sound hollow, then they are just plasterboard, and therefore rubbish.
Mr Barret & dear knows who else build with the cheapest methods, and not satisfactorally in me view..
If the thing is much older, then always look for signs of damp, and dry-rot. A no-no, unless you fancy some DIY.
Always have a peep in the loft area. Is the roof intact.
What is the state of the internal plumbing & electrics. ?
Any cracks on the walls could be just a drying out issue in a newer house, but in an older one, could it be subsidence ?
Flush the toilets is a good one, as if nothing pees out, and the thing re-fills OK, then all is probably well.
Turn all the electrical stuff on. Does the consumer unit leap off the wall, or hang in there.
Have the mains socket outlets got rounded corners ?
If so, the show is well out of date, and should be changed.
Oh the list goes on I suppose.
If it is an old barn, or a main-stream new build, the same things can apply.
Basically, give everything a poke & a prod.
All the best with it.
Cheers,
Bob |
|

Mrs.Doyle
 |
Look at the state of the toilets and flush them. Check every tap and shower to make sure they work and the pressure is good. Check sinks for discoloured water marks. Go outside and listen. Noise from kids, dogs, building yards, aircraft noise etc.
Go back at various times of the day to just park your car in the street, not too close to the house so you can people watch.
Check inside the oven if it's staying.
It may seem strange, but all of the above will tell you a great deal about the owners and what sort of effort they've made to keep the house in good shape.
If the woman of the house is dirty, get money off for cleaning costs and an allowance for replacing carpets etc.
If you like it and all seems well, go back for 2nd or even 3rd visits. You see more each time you go.
Ask what goes and what stays. (Carpets, curtains etc.). |
|

metalhead
|
are you sure you wanna go and look at this house lol sellers wont know whats hit then pmsl xx good luck xx |
|

bert
|
The best advice I can give to anyone in this situation is to take a member of the building trade with you,this is far the best way as they do know what to ask and what to inspect,also ask to see the surveyors report on the house,without this, don't entertain the place,good luck! |
|

notyou311
 |
You should get a buyer's agent. He or she will not charge you anything but will look out for your interests, not the sellers. Call around and find one.
You need to ask about the fuel bills, age of the appliances, furnace, and roof. Find out about the schools if that is of importance to you. Check to make sure the basement is dry. |
|

brainstorm
|
A questions about the neighborhood. Is it quiet at night, crime rate etc.?
Get a survey done. It's well worth it . If the survey finds defects you can use it to bring down the price. If it finds no defects it gives you peace of mind. |
|

nemesis
|
The questions you ask depend on what you're after. You don't have to know in depth about the structure as thats the job of the surveyor you employ once you place an offer.
You need to picture yourself living in that house:
* What are the good points?
* What are the bad points?
* Where is the house situated? how far from the shops, infrastructure etc.
* Is there anything next to the house which could attract unwanted groups e.g. a public bench, alleyway, football green.
* Does the area look okay? You may want to drive past at night time. Wind down the windows - any noise from the neighbours?
* Does the property have adequate parking? If there's street parking, then check the road at different times to see if you'll have any trouble parking. How many parking spaces? How many homes?
* In the case of a semi-detached, or end of terrace, what rooms join onto which neighbours rooms?
* What are the neighbours like?
* Why is the person moving?
* Which way do the rooms point? South-facing rooms are going to be brighter.
There are also little things which you have to bear in mind. For example, if the kitchen doesn't lead into the garden then you'd have to walk through another room to take the laundry outside - unless of course you don't use a washing line.
A slight problem with open plan kitchen/lounges is watching TV when the washing machine is running.
What are your circumstances? Do you have children? Are you planning to have children? How would a change of circumstances affect you living in that property?
Hope this gives you ideas. |
|

princess avatar
 |
well don't b nervous and not 2 nosey either that's 4 a start.next ask about the living conditions and how good the area is around the house;if its quiet or any sort of trouble.then make sure that there's inof space 4 u 2 go about doing ur jobs.finally make sure u like it!!oh yeah 1 last thing very serious ENJOY!!also ask about the technology wen u have 2 repay it.where the local shops r.and r there any leaks.remember look disappointed (even if u like it )at first.O.K.Good Luck!!! |
|

peppa
|
ask about..council tax, water meter,what are the neighbours like,do they have pets,kids etc...bounderies and parking. |
|

grandmast_flash
 |
Is the house built over an Indian graveyard? |
|

janie
|
Make sure you can afford it, also get a survey done,and make sure if you are buying it with a partner or whatever they are kosher do not get stiched up by anybody.
Janie |
|

| |
|
| |  |
| Questions List |
Answers | Last Post
| | | |
31 | 2 minutes(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 22 minutes(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 33 minutes(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 34 minutes(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 3 hour(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 8 hour(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 1 day(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 3 day(s) ago
| | | |
31 | 2 week(s) ago
| | | |
30 | 3 week(s) ago
| |
|