BourgogneHomes.com - Property Viewing Advice

Advice: Property Viewing Advice

Wear some sensible shoes – no high heels or the like. It is likely that you will end up walking quite a long distance.
Make bookings for 3 or 4 properties a day (depending on how far apart they are).
Arrive in the area a couple of days before the viewing – get to know the area, talk to locals, visit the local shops, get to know where the local DIY shop is.
Do let your agent know exactly what you want in a property – the more information he has the better he will be able to help you.
Take a tape measure, torch and notepaper with you – there are often no measurements for properties in France and you should always make your own anyway. The torch will be handy for exploring cellars, barns and those hard to get to places in a property.
Take a camera with you – a digital one is probably best (you can get loads of photos on a digital card) – and take LOTS of pictures. When we say lots we mean lots. Take photos of all aspects of a property. The front of the house, the back of the house, features, heating systems, woodwork, the street it's on, the village it's in etc. The more photos you have the better you will be able to make a decision when you get back home – use photos as a memory device – you will be overwhelmed with detail so taking photos is another way of remembering some of the details of a property.
Take some water with you – this is especially important in the summer – it can get very hot and if you're driving around looking at property you will need a drink.
Don't be afraid to ask questions – the more questions you ask the better. The types of questions you should ask are:

How much are the taxes
Is the roof in good condition
Is the property structurally sound
What are the neighbours like
Is there rights of way across the property
Does the property have a water source
Are services connected to the property
Is there a septic tank/is it mains drainage
Is the heating (if any) oil or wood
What facilities are nearby (restaurant, post office etc)
Are agency fees included in the price
Is the price negotiable
What exactly is included in the price
What fixtures and fittings/furniture are/is staying

Create a Project sheet with all your requirements on a tick list so that as you go round a property you can tick them off the list and make notes about a property so that you can review the property and its features when you return home.
If you like a property, go back and visit again the day after – the rose tinted spectacles may have cracked by the time you go back again.
Try not to take kids with you on your first visit – they can get very bored very quickly. You can always take them back for a second visit if you decide you like a property.
If you think you may make an offer on a property then take lots of documentation with you. The types of documentation you may need are:

Passport
Birth certificate
Marriage/divorce certificate
3 x utility bills
3 x bank statements

You may not need all of these bits of documentation but it is best to be prepared.

Book your visit with the agent as much in advance as you can – the agents are very busy and it is unlikely they will be able to take you to a property if you just turn up and request a viewing. The agent will keep you informed on the status of a property until your visit.
If you can, get a translation of the ‘compromise de vente' to help you if/when you have to sign it – you can download a copy from elsewhere on this site.
Be honest with your agent when viewing property – if you don't like a property tell your agent. Also tell him why you don't like it. He will take this into consideration when showing you other properties.

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