So
you have narrowed down your search area, and
you have
a good idea of what type of property you are looking for.
That relaxed lifestyle in beautiful surroundings,
bathed in the sun's golden rays beckons.
A
visit to make some viewings is your next step.
Spend
a few hours looking at some of the many property web sites.
You will soon see which ones specialize
in the kind of
property for sale you are looking for.
You
can book appointments with agents before
you go,
and this is really useful- but we would
always recommend that
you allow some time to prowl around
the agents offices once you are in the area.
Leave time to make appointments to view
any properties
which are of particular interest when you get there.
It can take a few days to get an appointment,
particularly
in high season.
If
this is your first viewing trip, this is even more important.
It is surprising how much your ideas
can change
when you begin to see property
in situ, and it is useful to be as flexible as possible.
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Take
a compass-
If you plan to sit on a terrace watching
the sun set
with a glass of wine you need to know where the sun will set!
If
possible, try to view early in the year.
As in the UK, this is when much property
comes on to the market.
You will also be taken more seriously
by agents .
They know you are not wasting their
time on a holiday whim.
Don't
be in too much of a hurry- never believe the property you are seeing
is
the last dream home you will ever see.
Try to speak to people who have already
made the move-
there will be lots of useful (and not
so useful) stories to be listened to.
Spend
time viewing your preferred style
of property, of course.
But it is a good idea to view a few
which are in a different category.
This can either broaden your search,
or confirm that your initial choice was definitely the one for you.
It
will also start to build up your knowledge of the local area-
and of just how much property you can
get for your money.
If
you see a property which seems right,
it is a good idea to visit it again-
and again.
You should try to make 2, 3 and
even 4 visits,
preferably at different time of the
day.
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Imagine
it at different times of the year-
Will you need a tractor to get up that
access track after a lot of rain?
or is that quiet town square going to
be packed with drunken 18-30's in August?
This
will be your home in the sun. At
the end of the day, gut feelings matter.
If after several viewings, weighing
up its pros and cons,
if it still feels right,
it probably is right.
Print
out our VIEWING CHECKLIST
Find
out how to make an offer
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