Janet Boyle has some handy advice on how to choose the property that

is best for you.

SO you have found the house of your dreams . . . or have you? Property

which looks ideal on viewing can turn out to be a nightmare if you don't

do your homework.

According to leading property specialist Stephen O'Neill, a house

which looks delightful on a quiet mid-week afternoon can turn into a

nightmare when the sun goes down.

Stephen suggests that anyone considering a property should carry out a

thorough check on the local environment before moving in.

''You would be surprised how many people decide to buy or rent a

particular property because they may like something as relatively

unimportant as the kitchen,'' he revealed.

''I have known people to chose a home in the busiest street in town,

surrounded by thundering lorries and buses . . . all because they loved

the bathroom. Unfortunately, the novelty of luxury tiles and a sunken

bath tends to wear off when you are frightened to let the kids out to

play or can't get to sleep at night.

''Other house hunters set out to get a three-bedroomed home and end up

with another one or two-bedded house because they fall in love with a

kitchen. It happens so often.''

Stephen and his wife Karen have moved five times in the past eight

years as his work has taken him around various estate agents and

property companies throughout Scotland. They have two daughters and

another baby on the way.

They live in a five-roomed sandstone terrace in Jordanhill in

Glasgow's West End, an area whose plus points include excellent schools,

handy shops, transport, and road networks.

''I have used this checklist with each move. Much of it is based on

experienced gained through working in the property business.''

EIGHT CHOICE RULES

1. Knock a neighbour's door, preferably one with an attractive door

and garden, and ask about the property you want. Some will be

surprisingly forthcoming about why the seller wants to move or rent his

home.

2. Buy a local paper to get a feel for the area and any developments

which might affect your home, e.g. supermarket across the road, rows

over underage drinkers hanging about local shops, etc.

3. Look twice at street names. Mining names could suggest old

underground mineral workings . . . and maybe subsidence. Check local

industry. Is the street a short cut for heavy vans?

4. Drive around at night to find out if the street is a magnet for

bikers, kerb crawlers, etc.

5. Drive past the local school at 4pm to find out if you really want

your children to go there. Are local gardens well kept?

6. Take a local taxi and ask the driver about the residents.

7. Rent first, particularly if you are moving from another part of the

country.

8. Drive past the house after work and find out if you can park. Is

your car likely to be safe from thieves?