House hunt: The questions to ask when viewing a property

Checking out that potential dream home? Here's how to prepare for the viewing and what to ask the agents and vendors

Patience is key to finding just the right home in the right locality. This can be a long and stressful wait but is worth it when it all comes together. Picture: iStock

Many of us are positively frisky at the prospect of house viewing. What could be more delicious than the fully sanctioned invasion of someone else’s privacy on a sodden February afternoon? Other house hunters jaded by the search would rather have teeth pulled than deal with another queasy-carpeted “diamond in the rough”.

For most buyers finding a house or site in the current market is hard work, and it’s important to keep that energy and motivation intact to extract the best possible result. Don’t view more than two houses on any day, especially during a short February day when you may be arriving at the second viewing at dusk.