Buyers Guide - Viewing Properties

It's important that the estate agents regard you as a serious applicant. Show willing and be eager to view, and you'll be top of the list when something new comes on the books. Call them regularly - they'll think of you first when a property comes on the market.

Many estate agencies now have their own web sites, where you can browse available properties. Be aware, however, that many don't update their sites as often as their shop windows.

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when looking for the house of your dreams:

• View the properties as soon as possible. Leave it too long and you could lose the house.
• Make good use of your lunch hours or make appointments on the way to and from work.
• If two of you are buying and you have children, decide which one of you will be the chief viewer, whose job it is to weed out all but the strongest candidates.
• 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 cheap - 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.