Avoid sales traps

Buying a property can be an emotional thing. Even if it’s an investment property if you like the look and feel on it you are likely to pay more for it. It’s human nature.

Remember it is rare that the property is going to look as nice on completion as when you are looking around. Much of the furniture will have gone, the smell of baking bread, coffee, scented candles (or whatever other tricks the seller is using to get you to like it!) won’t be there.

Look for lots of mirrors as well. If they are being used then it is often not because the seller is vain it’s just they want the property to look bigger. Use this to your advantage by telling the estate agent that it’s quite small. When they relay this to the client it will hit home.

Conversely don’t be put off if the property looks a little bit run down or messy. Sometimes a little bit of elbow grease and a lick of paint can transform a place. If it’s untidy or a bit run down then use this as a stick to beat the estate agent and the seller. They will know it’s not in tip top shape and so it will hit home when you mention it.

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