Self-Sufficiency in Style
Buying your smallholding - Part Four
Visiting the area
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Self-Sufficiency in Style Buying your smallholding - Part Four Visiting the area |
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Settled any differences. |
You have found what looks to
be a likely possibility for your new self-sufficiency smallholding. You have studied the maps, plundered the internet and argued with your partner. There are no obvious snags. It looks perfect. The bad news is that you are almost certainly going to be disappointed. The good news is that you are going to find out quickly. |
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arrange to view. There is absolutely no point in viewing the interior of a
property that does not match your dreams. What you do is to ring the Estate Agent, give them your licence plate number and tell them when you will looking from the outside. Ask them to ring the vendor and call you back with a confirmation that they have done so. Do not agree to meet the vendor. Most rural areas are suspicious of strange cars. They notice strangers very quickly. This procedure will allay any worries. |
You might find that you are the one answering the questions. |
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Make the most of your time in the area. |
On the day, you
have a lot to do, especially if things do look good. If the place is obviously not for you, simply call in and see the Estate Agent and ask them to tell the vendor. You can save a completely wasted trip by checking all the other Agents in the area to see if anything else is worthy of investigation. |
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One day, you will indeed spot the place for you. You are now going to be very busy. |
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Even if you are absolutely certain, do not go ahead to view immediately.
The idea is to get every possible question out of the way before visiting the property, before walking its meadows and inspecting the bathroom. You are going to need to concentrate and wasting time asking the vendor about local schools, rail timetables and pubs is not efficient. They are bound to consider the schools excellent, the rail service reliable and frequent and the pub delightful. It is your opinion that counts, not theirs. |
How good are the local facilities? |
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Walk the footpaths. |
You need to walk all the
footpaths in the immediate vicinity and drive all the local lanes. The
property will be visible from different perspectives. You must visit at weekends and at different times of day. Is there a "rush hour?" If so, why? Is there some social activity at week ends that might disturb your peace. A night time visit is always worthwhile and can show up something not visible during the day. Most modern processes are 24/7, the lights can show up something invisible during the day. |
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immediate environs, you are going to want to talk to people. Once again it
may be wise to let the vendor know that you are still about and thinking of
purchasing the property. They may object. In such case, what are they hiding? A boundary dispute? Ask them. Better to find out now than later. Never, ever accept any limitation on your enquiries. The Estate Agent will sort out any objections. Bear in mind, if you have read the previous articles, you will already have to hand documentary reassurance that you have the wherewithal to fund the purchase. You are a serious potential buyer and entitled to be treated seriously. |
Boundaries need to be clearly established, along with responsibility for trimming hedges and clearing ditches. It is a practical as well as a legal matter. |
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The pub is a good place to ask questions. |
In England or Ireland, the pub is the obvious source of information. A few
direct but polite questions will always bring useful background. Further afield, the local market towns will provide schools and shopping, doctors and dentists. The nearest city should provide a greater range including superstores and major hospitals. Remember, research for this property may be useful for others in the same area. |
| Anyway, things look good. The
smallholding is in a locality you like, the whole area is pleasant. From what you can see, the place looks attractive. There are no obvious serious snags. Make an appointment to view. |
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The moral of this story is do your homework - even when it is tramping the highways and byways. |
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You may return to
Buying
your smallholding - Part One -
Don't complicate things! In future articles, we will tell you why you cannot avoid the "crunch" moment - and why it should come sooner rather than later. In the meantime, if you are so inclined, you can return to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS which deals specifically with Hangman's Cottage or perhaps UNDERSTANDING ESTATE AGENTS will offer you some help for any sale or purchase |
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...exploring the possibilities - from a curious Hangman's Cottage, just to the south of Misery Corner. |
