Moving house can be a magical experience, but it can also be daunting. If you’re on the hunt for a new home, you may be thrilled and anxious in equal measure. Being organised can help you reduce stress and minimise disruptions and setbacks. If you’re ready to start a property search, here are some essential steps to take today.
Set your budget
The first thing to do when looking for a home to buy is to set a maximum budget. Analyse your finances, seek expert advice and figure out how much you can afford to spend. Explore mortgages and providers, compare products and research monthly payments, interest rates and terms. It’s important to factor in additional costs, such as legal fees, surveys, stamp duty and moving costs. If you’re considering a fixer-upper, you’ll need to add the cost of renovations, extending the property or modernising the house to the purchase price. Setting a budget will help you filter search results and get a realistic idea of what you can afford in different locations.
Contact local estate agents
Contacting local estate agents is a brilliant way to find out more about what’s available and get access to properties that are coming onto the market soon. It’s helpful to go into calls or consultations with a wish list and a detailed overview of what you want and where you’re looking. Reputable, experienced firms like Harper Macleod Estate Agency can help you find properties, view different houses and flats and explore ideas to develop homes and unleash their full potential. If you’re new to an area, or you’re considering expanding your search zone, local knowledge is invaluable. Estate agents can offer recommendations based on your preferences and requirements.
Outline your priorities
Many people struggle to find the perfect property within their budget. In most cases, there’s an element of compromise. Before you start searching, it’s useful to think about what matters most to you and determine what is essential and what’s desirable. Perhaps you’d be willing to sacrifice a guest bedroom if it meant having a bigger garden, or you’d be open to moving to a small property if you could buy in your first choice location, for example.
Browse listings and arrange viewings
Browsing listings enables you to look at properties and create shortlists with minimal effort. You can view brochures and listings online, take virtual tours or visit estate agencies. It’s hugely beneficial to be open-minded when looking through listings. Try not to rule anything out based purely on photographs if the house ticks a lot of boxes. View different types of properties and give every house or flat a chance. You may find that you love houses that didn’t look spectacular online or that homes that looked great lack the warmth or ambience you crave, for example. If you find properties you like, plan a second viewing. Go back as many times as it takes to make a decision. You should never rush or feel pressured to make an offer.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-standing-outside-a-for-sale-house-7937747/
Searching for a property is an exciting process, but it can be stressful. If you’re ready to look for a new home, take these steps today. Set a budget, contact local estate agents, outline your priorities, browse listings and arrange viewings.
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