+44 (0) 7434 287 603 447434287603 Book a 121
     
Sarah Hannaford

Sarah's PA Solutions

Hosted by Sarah Hannaford ...

My first property viewings: what I learned as a new property investor

Sarah Hannaford

CREATED BY SARAH HANNAFORD

Published: 06/05/2026 @ 09:01AM

#PropertyViewings #InvestorMindset #FindingTheRightPlace #RealEstateInsights #SmartInvesting

My first property viewings were eye-opening. Like many, I initially thought I just needed a nice place, in a decent area, within budget. I soon realised that viewing as an investor requires a different mindset than when buying a home to live in ...

As a new property investor, my first property viewings taught me valuable lessons and insights into the world of real estate

As a new property investor, my first property viewings taught me valuable lessons and insights into the world of real estate

You're not just picturing where the sofa goes, you're assessing risk, return, and long-term potential. Over time, I've learned to slow down, look beyond the surface, and ask much better questions.

One of the biggest lessons for me was to ignore the
staging and focus on the fundamentals!


Fresh paint, clever lighting and a nice smell can do wonders, but they can also distract from underlying issues. I now pay close attention to things like dampness, cracks in the walls, the condition of the windows and roof, and the overall structure of the property.

In the UK, especially with older housing stock, these issues can quickly become expensive problems if you're not careful. I also make a point of checking the boiler, asking about its age and service history, and keeping an eye out for anything that looks like it's been patched up rather than properly fixed.

Location became far more important than I first realised. It's not just about whether an area looks nice on a sunny afternoon. I started looking at transport links, local amenities, parking, and even what the street feels like at different times of day.

For rental potential, I think about who would realistically want to live there and why. A great property in the wrong location will always struggle, whereas a more modest property in a strong area can perform really well over time.

There were definitely a few red flags
I learned to spot early on!

Properties that had been on the market for a long time without explanation made me cautious. I also became wary of anything that felt rushed, whether that was pressure from the agent or a lack of clear information.

Poor quality renovations were another big one. Glossy finishes can sometimes hide rushed or substandard work, so I've learned to look a little closer at the details. If something doesn't feel right, I trust that instinct now rather than trying to talk myself into it.

Looking back, those early viewings taught me more than I expected. Each one helped me refine what I was looking for and what I was prepared to walk away from. Building a property portfolio isn't about jumping at the first opportunity; it's about making informed decisions and staying patient.

And knowing that the right deal is worth waiting for.

Until next time ...

SARAH HANNAFORD

Join my mailing list! Click here and be one of the first to know when I publish a new blog post!

Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about being a new property investor, then do feel free to call me on 07434 287603 or connect with me on LinkedIn, and let's see how I can help you.

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#PropertyViewings #InvestorMindset #FindingTheRightPlace #RealEstateInsights #SmartInvesting

About Sarah Hannaford ...

Sarah Hannaford 

What if I could give you time back to do the things you love doing? I have been working in Admin based roles for almost 20 years in various different sectors and levels. My passion for doing paperwork and organizing 'office spaces' makes me a really useful tool for you to have in your corner! 

My goal is to provide the best quality service to all my clients, making their lives easier and giving them back freedom to grow their business.

Let me handle your admin needs so you can thrive! ❤️


More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


My journey so far: building two businesses side by side

When I first started building my property business alongside my Online PA business, I knew it would be challenging. Both require time, focus and organisation ......

Click here to view this blog post


Lessons from analysing multiple properties before building my own portfolio

Working as an Online PA for property companies has given me a front-row seat to the realities of property investment. Over the years, I have helped organise documents, manage projects, coordinate contractors, and support land...

Click here to view this blog post


What makes a good property deal for first-time investors?

When most people think about buying property, they often focus on finding their dream home. Property investors look at things rather differently ......

Click here to view this blog post


Balancing a service business with building investments

Starting to build a property portfolio while running an Online PA business has been both exciting and eye-opening for me. After buying my first investment property, I've quickly realised that balancing both worlds requires or...

Click here to view this blog post


Why good estate agent relationships matter for property investors

Estate agent relationships can make property investing feel far less random. For me, they are one of the smartest ways to hear about opportunities early, build trust, and gain a clearer understanding of the property market .....

Click here to view this blog post


Why most people overcomplicate property businesses

A strange belief about property is that success must look complicated; endless spreadsheets, costly software, multiple income streams, complex structures, and jargon-filled social media posts can make the industry seem overwh...

Click here to view this blog post


Time saving workflows and systems for landlords

Getting your workflows and systems right can make a significant difference for landlords. With the right routines, admin automation tools, and a bit of smart planning, landlords can improve business efficiency and free up mor...

Click here to view this blog post


Spotting those property opportunities others may miss

By reading market trends, checking local demand and noticing small shifts, property firms can find hidden deals and smarter angles. It is the quiet details that lead to the best results ......

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why most small business owners struggle with consistent content

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.sblogit.com

If you've ever said to yourself, ''I really need to post more regularly'', only to realise it's been three months since your last blog post? You're no ...

Click here to view this blog post


Preparing to retire: practical advice for small business owners

Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com

Thinking about retiring from your business can feel a bit surreal. For many small business owners in the UK, the line between 'work' and 'life' has be ...

Click here to view this blog post


Visiting Milton Keynes this Summer? Serviced accommodation is the smarter way to stay!

Posted by Emily Freeman on https://blog.shortstay-mk.co.uk

If you're planning a trip to Milton Keynes this summer, you're probably already thinking about where to stay. Hotels might seem like the obvious choic ...

Click here to view this blog post


What skills do employers value in 2026?

Posted by Dave Cordle on https://blog.davecordle.co.uk

If you're considering your next career move, it's natural to wonder what employers are really looking for. While specific technical skills vary across ...

© 2026 by Sarah Hannaford

All rights reserved



All content on this blog, including but not limited to text, images, videos and audio, is protected by copyright. No part of this blog may be reproduced, copied, distributed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of the author. Unauthorised use constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights.

Please note that many elements of this blog have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). As such, content may not always reflect verified facts or professional advice. The information provided is for general interest only and should not be relied upon as a sole source for making decisions, financial or otherwise. Readers are strongly advised to seek independent advice from qualified professionals appropriate to their country and situation.

The author of this blog, YourPCM Limited, and its directors, employees, and authorised agents accept no liability for any loss, harm, or consequence arising from the use or interpretation of content found on this site.

The sblogit.com platform is provided on an “as is” basis. By continuing to view or interact with this blog, you acknowledge and accept these terms. If you do not agree with any part of this notice, please cease using this site immediately.

YourPCM Limited is a company registered in the UK and operates exclusively under the jurisdiction of the laws of England and Wales.