It may be a good idea to ask the sellers for info

While you’re viewing properties for sale, estate agents usually ask the sellers to remain in the background, so there is little chance for conversation.

Once you have made your choice and your offer to purchase has been accepted, it may be a good idea to ask the sellers to fill you in on important details about your new home.

This won't apply if you are buying a new home from a developer. In this case, you need to check that all fittings and finishes are in line with specifications. And that all snags have been attended to before you move in.

Handover

If you are buying a newly-built home in a complex, a representative from the developer or the builder will probably be on hand when you collect the keys to show you how everything works in your new home. In addition, new equipment and appliances should have manuals to explain how they work, so you should be able to manage them on your own.

However, if you are buying an existing home from a private seller, you may have to spend several weeks finding out how everything works in your new property.

To avoid this, ask your agent to arrange a handover meeting with the seller before you move in. This will enable you to find out where the electrical distribution board is with the earth leakage and geyser switches, as well as the water meter and the shutoff valve for the main water supply.

Other essentials to ask about:

• How to operate the pool and wellpoint pumps.
• The alarm system. How to set and disarm the system, where the sensors are and any outdoor beams.
• How to open the garage door manually during loadshedding.
• How to operate the timer for the irrigation system.
• Is there an outdoor electrical connection for the lawnmower and other garden equipment?

Most sellers will happily give you a guided tour of the property to show how everything works.

Suppose the sellers aren't available for a handover meeting. In that case, you could ask them to leave behind all operating manuals as well as any current warranties on items like geysers, waterproofing and gate motors.

Also, ask for a list of contact details of local electricians, plumbers, IT technicians and other service companies they have found to be reliable and reasonably priced.

Neighbourhood

If the sellers have lived in the area for some time, they will also be able to provide information about the closest - and best - coffee shops, restaurants and shopping centres and the quickest, least congested route from your new home to work and your children’s school.

Armed with all this information, you will soon feel at home in your new property.

Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer