Learn from my mistakes....

Thought I would write a list of things to look out for ...

Cars:

• When the car dealer says that a car comes with any length of warranty... get it in writing
• Take out an extra extended warranty
• Don't park under any trees when you hear a lot of birds squawking above in the branches
• Don't leave your car out on the road without protection over the windscreen
• Make a list of all the problems with the car when you buy it.. if there are any and email it to them. Give them also a hard copy with a checklist to check off when done.
  
• When you take a car for a test drive, turn the radio off.. listen.. and make sure you turn the wheel to the extreme left and right of the turning circle
• Don't be in a hurry.. ask for it to be fully valetted before you buy it.
• Always check the levels of oil and water/coolant even if you think you don't need to...
• But whatever one does.. there was no way I could have foreseen bits of foam being ejected through the ventilation blowers!
• Take the car out on hire purchase.. see if you can make full payment without any penalty later.. that way you can withhold payment if the car has major problems and only pay when you are ok with it.
• Ideally, of course get someone you know who knows about car to test drive it also for you and to look over it.
  

Buying a house

• Make sure that you advise the lawyers that any debts on the property are to be settled by the buyer and make sure they put a clause to that effect in the sales contract.
• Make sure the property survey checks not only the property construction, but also make sure that showers and taps work. That the swimming pool holds water and that the machinery for the pool works.
• Legally make sure that all appliances are in working order so put a clause in the sales contract.
  
• Also.. yep... make sure that you can get hot water.. and run the hot water in both the kitchen and the bathroom.
• Make sure that you get pictures of the inventory.. funny how that luxury double doored fridge with ice dispenser gets changed to a single door one without. How the large screen TV suddenly downsizes to a 32"!
• If the property is near trees, make sure that a survey is done to check on the health of the trees...

Well, that's a few tips from me... tips that I will take on board ... next time!