Important Questions to Ask an Estate Agent When Viewing a Property to Buy

When considering a property purchase and arranging a viewing, it can be an extremely exciting and significant time. During the viewing, it’s vital to ask an estate agent appropriate questions to gain a clear understanding of the property before considering making an offer. Despite the importance of these questions, many prospective buyers hesitate or forget to ask crucial questions during property viewings. Knowing what questions to ask and understanding their importance ensures they are asked, providing informed decisions and securing the most accurate price for the property. In this post, we outline some of the most important questions to ask an estate agent when viewing a property to buy.

Why is it Important to Ask the Right Questions During a Property Viewing?

During a property viewing with a potential purchase in mind, asking an estate agent appropriate questions is vital for informed decision-making. Property acquisition represents a significant investment, and discovering major issues post-purchase is unwelcome. Asking key questions allows for gathering essential information about the property’s condition, history, location, and potential future costs or issues. This proactive approach builds confidence in decision-making and facilitates a deeper understanding of the property.

Key Questions to Ask an Estate Agent When Viewing a Property

The questions asked of an estate agent during a property viewing will vary depending on the property type (house or apartment), its condition, price, and location. Consequently, lists of questions may differ between properties. Researching appropriate questions for the specific property type and preparing a list ensures no crucial information is overlooked. Below, are some key questions to ask an estate agent when viewing a property to buy and explains why they are crucial to ask.

• How Long has the Property Been on the Market for?

Asking an estate agent how long the property has been listed for is important as it helps to gauge the level of interest that it has attracted. If the property has been on the market for a long time, there might potentially be an issue with the price being too high, or with its condition, which might impact your decision. It also provides an idea of whether you need to act quickly, or if there’s room for negotiation on the price.

• What is Included in the Sale?

It is also vital to clarify what is included in the sale, as sometimes not everything seen within the property during the viewing is included. Some properties for sale in Ireland might have furniture, appliances, or fixtures that the seller may remove before the sale is completed, and if you don’t ask, you might think they’re included. This avoids any confusion later down the line and ensures you understand exactly what you’re getting for the asking price.

• Are there any Known Issues or Problems with the Property? 

One of the most crucial questions to ask during a viewing is if there are any issues or problems with the property, as this can potentially save costly repairs and problems in the future. Make sure to ask about any known issues, like damp problems, plumbing concerns, or electrical issues, as this helps you understand the true condition of the property. If there are any existing issues that they mention, it can help decide if the property is worth pursuing and potentially negotiate a lower price for it, factoring these repair costs into your budget.

• Has the Property had any Recent Renovations or Repairs?

It’s also a good idea to ask an estate agent if there have been any recent renovations or repairs done to the property, as this gives more insight into its condition and how it’s been maintained. If it’s had recent renovations, such as an updated kitchen or bathroom, or if the heating system has been replaced with a more energy-efficient one, it can benefit you and add value to the property. Knowing this information helps to assess the property’s condition and its future upkeep.

• What is the Average Cost of Bills and Property Taxes in the Area?

Asking about the average costs of bills and property taxes in the area the property is in is also vital to understand the ongoing costs faced when owning the property. Bills such as electricity and heating can vary greatly depending on the size of the property, its heating system, and its energy efficiency rating, which you can also ask about. Property taxes also vary depending on location, so knowing these costs helps assess whether it’s affordable for you in the long term.

If questions are forgotten or additional queries arise post-viewing, contacting an estate agent via phone or email for clarification is always an option. Asking questions provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential property purchase, aiding in the decision to make an offer.

Looking for Houses for Sale in Moycullen, Galway?

If you’re looking for houses for sale in Moycullen, Galway, welcome to Michelle Burke. As trusted auctioneers and estate agents in Galway, we are committed to assisting you in finding properties throughout Ireland, including Moycullen, Galway. You can trust Michelle Burke and her skilled team to provide a seamless process, providing support and guidance at every stage. For further information regarding houses for sale in Moycullen, Galway, contact Michelle Burke through the online enquiry form, by calling 091 868080, or emailing info@michelleburke.ie. We look forward to hearing from you.