When you start your property search for your ideal home in Croydon, close to the heart of the capital city of London, it is very easy to get carried away.  The first home you get shown that is within your budget may make you put in an offer without really considering it first, but just because you don’t want to lose the property or be unable to find one betters.  You should avoid rushing into anything, especially when buying your home, as this could prove to be a decision you’ll end up regretting.  When you first go to view the house you should ask plenty of questions from the seller, these questions should include, but should not be limited to:•    How many viewings has the house had an how many offers have been made?•    How long has the property been on the market for?•    Why is the property on the market? What’s the reason for the sale?•    Have any renovations been made on the property? •    What is the age of the boiler and when was the boiler last inspected?•    What is included within the sale? E.g. the oven? fridge? Etc.•    Are there any issues such as parking, with the neighbours?•    Have there ever been any subsidence problems?•    What council tax band is the property in? If, after these questions have been answered, you are still interested in making an offer on the property, there are some other things that you should consider first.  Here are some of those things:•    Research the neighbourhood by looking at recent newspaper’s and newsletters  from the local area.  Contact the police and understand what the crime rates in this area are like.•    Visit the property a few more times, alwaysat different times of the day, walk around and go inside the property.  Check for silly things that you didn’t notice first time round, such as an annoying street light, or a busy road that can be noisy during peak times or the evening. •    Ask to see utility bills for the property to give you an idea as to how much you are going to be spending on things like gas and electricity.  Furthermore, have a look at how much the council tax is on the property and compare this to what you are paying now. •    Look out of the windows of the property and at the view to ensure that there is nothing blocking your sunlight, to ensure there are no neighbours erecting buildings or structures that could potentially block or ruin your view etc. •    Tour the area that the property is located in  Find the local shops, or shopping centre, source local dentists and doctors etc.  you will want to make sure these things aren’t too far from your property or in an area that you do not feel comfortable going into. •    Talk to the neighbours and residents of the local area, find out what the neighbours and the area is like,  ask them if the people in the area are friendly and if there is any trouble. In the area.  Also find out if they have a neighbourhood watch scheme and how you can become involved. •    Ask the sellers ore questions, understand if there have been any problems with the property and if so how these have been fixed. •    If there is the potential for you to structurally change the property and perhaps make it bigger, will you be allowed to do so?•    Are the local schools good?  What grades do they usually get etc.  A better school near the property will push up the property price.