Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when viewing houses:
• Make an appointment to view any property you are interested in as soon as possible. If you leave it too long and you could miss out.
• Write out a viewing checklist and take it with you.
• Don't be afraid to make numerous visits with tradesmen to find out what you're letting yourself in for.
• Check the history of any scruffy - and therefore cheaper - property. If it's been rented it may have had a succession of landlords, all of whom may have done the bare minimum in repair and upkeep.
• If you're tempted to buy a run-down property to renovate and sell on, check how long it's been on the market. If it's been there a long time, it suggests there isn't a lot of profit to be made.
• New carpets, bathrooms and kitchens can be signs of a superficial renovation that is hiding more serious work to be done.

Online resources let you research the house prices, local facilities, environment etc. But there is no substitute for actually going to the area and getting a real feel for the place. Is it really an up and coming are the description describes, is it quiet, what are the other residents like? These are the kind of things you need to find out before you make an offer.

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