I’m an ex-estate agent – the special phrases we use & why buying in an ‘up and coming’ area could be a BIG mistake
THE whole process of finding and viewing a property can be an absolute minefield, especially if you're a first-time buyer.
From damp, broken boilers to poor drains, it can be impossible to know what to look out for, and sometimes our heart rules over our head when we fall in love with a place.
There are so many traps and pitfalls, which is why it's important you know exactly what to look for when viewing a property - and exactly how to read your estate agent.
Stefanie Curran worked in property for 15 years, beginning as a negotiator and working up to valuer and branch manager.
She's now director of community interest company Punk Against Poverty, and here she spills the beans on exactly what you need to look out for at your next house viewing...
Language lesson
Anyone who's been to view a property or two in their lifetime will have noticed estate agents are able to put a positive spin on just about anything.
Stefanie says: "'Up and coming area' sounds great but probably means the area's a bit rubbish but people are buying there as they can’t afford elsewhere!
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"'Bijou' is code for small so don’t expect to move in with all your belongings.
"'Low maintenance' means the garden is covered in concrete or gravel and 'In need of updating' translates to no one has decorated since the 60s and the wiring is probably a hazard!
"When they say you can put your own stamp on it, it means you really need to decorate this place, because the previous owner's taste is awful."
Timed to perfection
Agents will often be smart what time of day they show you a property.
Stefanie says: "If the house is near a school you can be damn sure they won’t let you view at 3.30pm when parents are fighting for parking spaces and blocking up the houses driveway.
"Same goes for a busy road at rush hour.
"Be sure to pop back to see properties of interest at different times of day to when the estate agent arranges it."
Neighbours behaving badly
One thing estate agents can't control are the people occupying the surrounding properties - but they will sure as hell try and 'enhance' the situation.
Stefanie says: "Blocks of flats can be tricky for estate agents as you have no control over how the neighbouring properties are presented.
"As an agent I would always carry air freshener incase I needed to attempt to cover the suspicious smells coming through the communal hallway.
"I would also get to flats early to tidy piles of post and anything else I might find."
Avoiding the question
Additionally, if an estate agent doesn't know an answer to one of your questions - or perhaps doesn't want to reveal the answer - there is a way to tell.
Stefanie says: "A classic phrase I was taught to use was “I believe”.
"You’re not committing to anything but a vague opinion.
"So when asking if it’s a good area - if the answer is “I believe so” then research more!"
Be thorough
Buying a house is not a spur of the moment decision.
Stefanie says: "Always do a second viewing.
"That first viewing when you fell in love with the place was ruled by emotions.
"Go back and take the property in properly before committing and don’t let your heart rule your head.
"Check everything- do the cupboard doors close properly, is a picture covering a hole in the wall punched by a frustrated seller, does a rug hide a stained carpet?
"Survey survey survey! Yes they are costly but not as costly as finding yourself stuck with a property with major hidden issues.
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"I once had a house on the market where despite our advice the seller had instead of sorting the major subsidence problem, had simply plastered over the hefty cracks in the walls.
"The house looked immaculate but in reality was full of issues."
Must-ask questions
What questions would Stefanie advise asking an estate agent that people tend to forget?
She says: "How long has it been on the market - a long time could be due to being overpriced or having issues you may not have spotted yet.
"Also, has it had any sales fall through on it - if so why?
"Did a buyer pull out because they found out it had bodies hidden in the cellar?
"It's also worth asking what are the sellers' plans - are they motivated to move or will a purchase drag out?"
Set the scene
On the flip-side, if you're thinking of selling, Stefanie also has some tips.
She says: "The main tip would be to get the front of the property up to scratch. So many sellers go to great lengths to renovate the inside but fall short on the outside, leaving the first impression buyers get to be less than desirable.
"A fresh coat of paint on the front, tidy garden and polished door handle and letter box can be more important than what’s inside.
"Declutter is a classic tip that so many ignore. Make the place more spacious by removing anything unnecessary.
Get out of the house for viewings - following the agent and viewers around makes it uncomfortable for the viewer - which is the last thing you want them to feel.
"Leave the agent with keys and get out of the way. If you really can’t do this then please at least be out of bed, I lost count of how many people I woke up by walking into their bedroom!
Set the scene. You’re not selling a house but a lifestyle.
"Buyers want to imagine what life could be like for them in your home. Get the fresh bread baking, lay the dinner table and fill the wine rack, welly boots by the door from those lovely country walks you always intend to go on. Give hints of what life could be like living here.
Curtains open, lights and heating on. If it’s winter especially, no one wants to come into a cold house."
A grave mistake
Given the amount of people they deal with on a daily basis, it goes without saying every estate agent will undoubtedly have a few shocking anecdotes up their sleeve.
Stefanie says: "Ask any agent in my area of Torbay and I think most will recount the tale of the house that fell down the cliff.
"A beautiful house overlooking the sea sold at auction for what seemed a wonderfully low price and the buyer snapped it up without viewing it or having a survey- always a big no no.
"Within three years her house had been gifted to the sea by way of landslides. A reminder that if it looks to good to be true it probably is!
"I once also had a very uncomfortable and unforgettable viewing of a property where an elderly member of the family was recently deceased.
"As I showed the viewers into the living room I noticed a new furnishing had appeared.
"Poor old granny lying in her open casket in the middle of the lounge and the sellers hadn’t thought to mention it!
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"Tip to sellers, no matter how much you love your nearest and dearest please don’t expect viewers to feel the same!
"Coffins have no place in lounges when it comes to selling houses!"
