If you've ever been involved in the process of buying a property, chances are you are well aware of the job description of a chartered surveyor. They are the folk that comes in to inspect your dream house before you finalize the process of making it your future home. A good surveyor possesses laser sight when it comes to defects, shortcomings and potential pitfalls that the ordinary eye is usually blind to.
That said, let's look at some tips on how to spot a really good person or company in the survey business in Oxford and use their services in order to save huge money on bad real estate decisions.
Evaluate Your Individual Situation
Before you call somebody, analyze your individual case in order to decide on the type of survey that will be the most appropriate for the particular property you are dealing with. If you are purchasing a mortgage, the lender is definitely going to require an estimate, detailing property market value and any hidden factors that might adversely affect either the lease giver or the future homeowner. Finding out about these as early as possible, especially prior to the purchase, can make a world of difference.One of the best ways to find the surveyor you are looking for is by asking friends and acquaintances who have recently been through the process themselves. They will give you an experience-based, honest opinion that is likely to save you time, money and possible mistakes. You can also ask the real estate agent you are working with for local references. And, in case you feel or get stuck, check out article or go online and pull a list of all chartered surveyors in your area.
The main way to achieve a successful evaluation is by requiring as detailed a report as possible. An exhaustive account would pinpoint areas in need of urgent repair, as well as those demanding more frequent and ongoing maintenance costs which, in turn, increases the likelihood of negotiating a lower price on the property.
Find The Right Professional
If you want to make sure you are hiring a professional who meets the highest standards of service in the field, do go for someone who is registered and fully regulated by the RICS body of chartered surveyors. Thus, you will not only rest assured that you are working with highly skilled individuals of vast expertise, but also benefit from being able to take advantage of the appropriate insurance and transparent complaint resolution procedures applicable. Check the person you consider hiring for the presence (or lack) of the designated status and titles of a chartered surveyor.
Finding the right person for the job might also mean getting a second or even third opinion, as is usually the case with most of the important decisions we encounter in life. Try to get at least a couple of quotes and keep in mind that the cheapest one is not always the best. Same goes for the most expensive, by the way. Regardless of how big a factor price is, do weigh in all other important aspects and issues. You can find a pretty good guide on how to do so at https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/a-guide-to-homebuyer-surveys-and-costs. Look for comprehensive quotes that provide a bullet-point list of all items and costs, so that you can make as informed a decision as possible on which surveyor to go with.
Desirable Characteristics And Traits
While it is true that hiring a well-established, large company does come with certain benefits, going for the big fish doesn't always guarantee victory. It might actually be better to look for a person who is most likely to work on your behalf. Beware of companies who might outsource your contract or hand it down to inexperienced interns, while advertising their top-notch services to you at the same time.
A really good approach is checking how approachable and responsive your potential surveyor is about things. Things such as coming over to the property, availability to discuss their findings throughout the process, as well as readiness to give tips and guidelines. They should also be able to turn subject matter jargon into a digestible and easy to understand form, so that you are able to grasp concepts and participate in the discussion of issues and particularities.
Take Your Time And Ask Around
One of the best ways to find the surveyor you are looking for is by asking friends and acquaintances who have recently been through the process themselves. They will give you an experience-based, honest opinion that is likely to save you time, money and possible mistakes. You can also ask the real estate agent you are working with for local references. And, in case you feel or get stuck, check out this article or go online and pull a list of all chartered surveyors in your area.
Last but not least, take your time in choosing an expert to work with. Do not make a decision on the fly, hoping to negotiate deadlines and discuss particulars later. The house market is a busy place, so you need to plan each step you are taking to guarantee a successful outcome.
Posted by PreReal™ Prendamano Real Estate on
Leave A Comment