Plan a useful first visit before buying

Choose the people whose practical needs affect the decision. If someone cannot attend, ask what they want checked and how they would like to receive notes. Avoid making a final choice on their behalf without discussing those points.

Tell our team how many people would like to attend and whether access or timing needs special planning. Ask who will show the home and which parts can be seen. Treat the appointment as confirmed only when the visit arrangement has been agreed.

Keep a short requirement list and the dimensions of furniture that is difficult to replace. If you need to check a room, parking space or route through the building, mention this while planning the visit.

Ask permission before measuring, recording or taking photographs. A home may still be occupied, so keep personal belongings and the residents out of your notes and images. Write down questions that need another person to answer instead of guessing during the visit.

After the visit, list the points that meet your requirement, the points that do not and the questions still open. Use the same headings for the next visit so the comparison stays consistent.

Tell our team about a specific concern rather than only saying the home was unsuitable. If the layout, floor or access changes what you need, update the requirement. Keep an attractive first impression separate from the checks needed before an offer discussion.