When you’re looking for the perfect property to buy, whether this is your first home or a holiday getaway, it can be a very long and tricky process. The real estate market is hard to get your head around, and finding the right house for your specific needs can seem like an impossible task. However, with a little bit of planning, you will be able to establish the right path to take to discover some potential future homes in no time at all. The following tips and tricks will help you find your way, so read on to locate your next perfect property.
Set Your Budget
When you decide you would like to purchase a property, the first thing you must do is decide how much you would like to spend. You have to take every aspect into consideration, not just the price of the house. There will be moving costs, insurance, assessments, certificates and so many other different things that you have to factor into your budget too. Do some research in order to discover what might bump up your overall spend, and adjust your budget accordingly. Once you set this amount, do not look at anything higher. There is no point in viewing something you can’t afford, as you will be disappointed when you feel like you are ‘settling’ for whichever property you choose within your price range. Shop around and do your research to ensure you get the most from your money, and ensure you find the most potential homes by expressing your interest and budget with an estate agency or 2. If you’re struggling with working out the specifics regarding mortgages and the like, search for a TDSR calculator online* to do the math for you.
Choose The Location
Deciding on the right location for your new property* can be a tricky business. If you’re looking for a family home, find somewhere with low crime rates, a large percentage of green space, and a good amount of quality schools to choose from. If you’re a little younger and hoping to find a new and modern flat, opt for the bustle of a city, where there’s more restaurants, bars, and opportunities for career growth. For a holiday home, choose a country with steady economic growth to ensure a profit when possibly reselling, and an enjoyable climate with good quality healthcare in the immediate local area. Whichever location you choose, be sure to visit several times perhaps in different months or seasons before investing in any kind of property. You need to get a true feel of the place before you make any final decisions, and see whether you would actually be comfortable living and working in that particular environment.
How Many Rooms Do You Need?
The number of rooms you require will have a big impact on the type of property you can purchase. You need to make this decision beforehand in order to establish what you have to look for. If you’re thinking of growing your family, perhaps choose a house with however many bedrooms you need, plus a study or box room that can be transformed if a new arrival were to come along. If you prefer to nest and have a smaller abode, why not seek out a property with a kitchen diner built in as one. If you have more than one child, you may want to consider a home with 2 bathrooms, as you will come to realize that 1 is not enough when it’s too late. Think about where guests will sleep when they come to visit and be creative with your vision if you need to maximize on space due to having a smaller budget.
Fix The Decor
When you walk into a property, the one thing you shouldn’t pay attention to is the decor. This can be changed very easily, so your main focus has to be on the practicality and functionality of the house you are viewing rather than the wallpaper or light fittings. However, you still have to visualize how you would fix or change the decor to make it to your own personal tastes*, so you can plan ahead for any work that needs to be done. Think about wall colors and enquire about the preexisting wallpaper and whatever might be underneath it to see whether you are able to cover it up how you would like to. It’s recommended that you invest in some new carpet in the house if it’s had several previous owners, or at least hire a cleaner of some sort to refresh the floors and bring them to a higher level of hygiene.
Sort The Paperwork
When you think you might have finally found the perfect property, the first thing you should do is sort out the necessary paperwork. There are so many forms you need to sign, and it's important that you get any communication between you and the seller or estate agents in writing so that you can have a physical record. Have a folder that contains all of the related files, and keep everything up to date and ready for when you need to use it. Keep 2 copies of anything that’s important, and be sure to get everything signed and dated by the correct parties to stay within the law. If you do not have the correct paperwork, you will really slow down the process and perhaps even add extra costs to your overall spend.
Hopefully, this information can act as a guide, and help you find the perfect home to suit your requirements. With a little bit of planning beforehand, you can establish what you really need from your property and search for something that meets all your expectations, rather than trawling through hundreds and hundreds of adverts for hours with no direction. Don’t forget to stay on top of your paperwork and refer back to your budget whenever you need a reminder of what you can comfortably afford.
A big hug,
Fiorella