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Where Do I Start?

There are some important factors to consider when you start your home search. Whether you are buying somewhere to live or somewhere to let, it is important that you don't let your heart rule your head. Make sure that important points such as finance and location are considered.

Here are our top tips on house hunting: -

Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage

Don't guess how much you can afford to spend on a property. Speak to a financial advisor or a mortgage company and ask for an assessment and a letter that states how much you are entitled to borrow. This will save lots of hassle later on.

Planning your budget and setting yourself on a path that gives you room for manoeuvre is an important part of your home moving process. Unless you are lucky enough not to need a mortgage, you really need to sit down with someone close to you and put some sort of structure to your finances. Not a pleasant task, but well worth it!

Decisions

Decide on the size and type of property you are looking for. Make a list of absolute requirements and then a 'wish list' or things that you would like but aren't totally necessary. You can then 'tweak' this list as you go along but better to have some idea of what you are looking for to begin with.

Research

Keep a record of recent property sales, prices in the area and neighbourhood statistics. Most of this information can be found on the Internet or by visiting local estate agents and will come in very useful when deciding on area and also when you come to make an offer on a property.

The Area

A fact that has been pushed and pushed by TV programmes and the likes of Phil Spencer & Kirsty Allsopp, but still one of the most important and very true! Location is vital; how far do you want to commute? How close to local amenities are you? How good is the public transport? In the city centre scenario, how close are you to your place of work? Where are the
nearest bars and restaurants? Is the area up and coming?

Take a look at the area at different times during the day; maybe have a drive round at night. For example, is there a lot of broken glass in the street? This could indicate a high crime area.

Other tips include:

• Take a family member or friend, whose opinion you trust to see the property
• Make sure the property fits in to your budget.
• Remember to ask about the cost of utilities etc.
• Compare what you'ld like to have against what you really need.
• Don't make a spur of the moment decision!

Other FAQ's

If I want to make an offer on a property, what do I do?

If you view a property and you decide that this is the one for you, speak to your representative who will do all the negotiating for you.

Can you recommend a solicitor?

Our staff are only too happy to point you in the right direction when it comes to the conveyancing of your purchase.
We recommend these local Solicitors