Are you thinking about moving? Are you buying your first home? If so, you’re probably experiencing a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Buying a house is a wonderful thing. But it can also be incredibly stressful. If you’re looking to move soon, here are four things to think about when you’re hunting for your dream home.
Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/120360673@N04/13855784355
1. Your budget
Before you even start looking at brochures or browsing online, work out your budget. It’s essential that you know how you have to spend before you start your search. There’s no point in looking at houses that are far too expensive. Work out how much you have available for a deposit and then arrange to see a mortgage adviser. It’s best to have a solid figure in mind and written mortgage offers to hand before you look at anything. You can work out a rough mortgage estimate at https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/house-buying/mortgage-affordability-calculator.
2. Location
Some people know exactly where they want to live. For others, a move is an excellent chance to discover a new part of the country or a different town or city. If you know where you want to live, you can start focusing your search on that area immediately. You may find that there are lots of houses for sale. Alternatively, you may soon realize that properties pop up once in a blue moon. If you are struggling to find anything suitable, you may wish to expand your search area. Even adjusting it slightly could open you up to a whole host of options you’ve not seen before.
If you’re not familiar with the area you’re looking at, it’s best to do your research. Have a look at agencies like http://www.entwistlegreen.co.uk/forsaleoffice/southport/500/ online. Make some calls to find out more about the local property market and have a drive around to see which areas you like.
3. Amenities
Some people like to be marooned far away from the madding crowds. For others, it’s essential to be close to good schools, cafes, shops, and transport links. When you’re looking for a new home, think about how it suits you and your family. If you’ve got young children, you’re probably interested in getting into the catchment area for the best schools. If you travel for work, you may want to be close to major roads and rail networks. If you don’t drive, you may want to have supermarkets or leisure facilities within walking distance.
4. Space and potential
Space is a concern for many of us when trying to find the dream home. You may fall in love with a house, but if it’s too small, it’s just not going to work. Sometimes, it’s wise to consider smaller houses if there is scope to extend. If you’re not afraid to do a bit of work, you could turn an unsuitable option into a perfect home. Make sure you seek advice about planning and building consent and get some quotes if you are thinking of adding an extension. It’s often a good idea to have a look at other houses on the street if they have already extended. This can give you an idea of how your home could look if you did decide to go ahead.
House hunting should be fun, but it can also be hard work. Hopefully, these tips will help you to find the perfect place. Good luck with you