Building surveys come in lots of different shapes and sizes and as you would expect come with different price tags, reflecting the amount of work and detail involved as well as the qualifications of the person undertaking the survey. This article focuses on the types of survey, rather than who undertakes them although the latter is equally, if not more important if it is to be money well spent.

Surveys tend to fall into four main types, but many practitioners will tailor their reports to suit their own style of writing and incorporate what they feel are the most important aspects. The exception to this is the RICS Homebuyer report that has pre-determined headings and a set format, although even that can be embellished a little if the writer so chooses. In my view the most important aspect of a survey is; does it give the level of information and detail that a purchaser is expecting and looking for? Some will and some won’t!

Therefore it is important that you ask your surveyor to explain what is being offered and also ask if they have any sample documents that you can view. Anyone with professional experience should be able to provide you with a sample. If they can’t, then you can take a gamble on the quality but I would avoid them like the plague. Most surveyors will be proud in the quality of their work and willing to show it to anyone who asks, if they are not, then it usually means that the quality does not compare favourably to their competitors. Some companies will even provide sample documents on their website and let their clients judge for themselves. With these companies you then know what you are paying for, rather than hoping for the best.

The types of survey that are offered can generally be set out under the following four headings;

‘Full’ Building Survey (Often called a full structural survey) – This involves a detailed and comprehensive inspection of the property. The report will comment on condition of all those parts of the structure which physically can be inspected but it will, necessarily be subject of a number of limitations as set out in a scope of service for building surveys.

‘Main Elements or Major Defects’ Survey – The major parts of the structure (the main shell of the building) will be inspected and the report will concentrate on those areas: the roofs, main walls, floors, ceilings and windows. Whilst services and ancillary parts of the building such as fittings, doors and decorations are not included, dampness and timber decay will be.

‘Homebuyer Report’ – This is a standard form of survey designed by the RICS. The pre-printed format covers most aspects of the building but not in great detail. It is appropriate in many circumstances but equally inappropriate in others and you are advised to discuss the merits of this beforehand. In the case of flats, access to parts of the building is likely to be restricted, thus surveys will be limited only to those areas where access is available. » Read more: Types of Building Surveys

Traditionally, the holiday real estate market is one of the slowest times of year for home sales. Few people are buying and selling, and it can be difficult to find a buyer or sell your home. Homes can take months to sell on the winter real estate market, and things tend to move slowest as the holidays approach. For a motivated buyer or seller, though, the holiday real estate market can yield some great opportunities – if you keep a few things in mind.

Winter Sellers are Motivated Sellers
Because the holiday months are usually such a slow time in the market, the people who sell their homes during the holidays are typically motivated sellers. They may need to sell because of financial reasons, or because they’re relocating for work. Life changes also happen during the holiday months; a divorce or the birth of a child can make a seller particularly motivated.

This is great news for buyers in the holiday real estate market, though. Because sellers in this market are usually so motivated, you can get some great deals on home pricing. Holiday sellers may be more willing to negotiate, and may be more motivated to make a quick sale if your timeframe is short. On the downside, because the holiday months are traditionally so slow, you may find fewer homes on the market and may not have as much choice in homes as in other parts of the year.

The Holiday Real Estate Market can Move Slowly
People are typically pre-occupied around the holidays. They’re planning for family events, trying to get work wrapped up to take some time off, or working to find the perfect gift. Many real-estate related businesses, such as lawyers and lenders, close around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If you’ve got a tight timeframe, keep this in mind. You’ll have to plan around holiday closings, and it may take longer to get responses or get paperwork processed through. You should build some extra time into your holiday buying or selling schedule, and if you’re motivated to make your purchase or sale before the end of the year, you should be moving forward now – not a month from now. » Read more: Shopping for Real Estate Around the Holidays