Buying a house is the biggest financial decision you will make in your life. Let the experts at Movewise Estate Agency guide you on what to do before you Google ‘properties for sale', that you can make informed decisions while you search for your ideal home.
The process of buying a home
Once you have found out what you can potentially borrow, you will need to establish what it’s going to cost to buy a home, aside from your monthly mortgage payments. That can include legal fees, removals, broker fees, lender fees and possibly the cost of having a survey done on your new home.
Once you have worked out the costs and what you can afford, it's time to start looking for a home to purchase. You may sign up for regular alerts of new listings through estate agents and property portals. It's a good idea to reach out to estate agents in the neighbourhoods you’re looking to move to, as they can provide local knowledge and guidance. Get their advice on up and coming areas, and don't be afraid to go outside the box. For instance, you might be able to save money by looking slightly further away than you originally intended.
Key things to think about
Set criteria for space, location, condition and other factors that are essential for you and your lifestyle, and other considerations that may be optional. Getting a good idea of the kind of house that is both preferable and realistic for you to buy will help you in your search.
Viewing houses
Your first impression of a home is a good indicator of whether it’s worth exploring further. You might notice that it looks well maintained, that it’s on a quiet street, or that the space seems light and airy when you walk in. These are all useful things to know, but if your first impression is good, then you should look at the finer details to make sure.
A neat and tidy home may still show signs for concern, such as cracks in walls, evidence of damp etc., so try to stay practical and not get too attached too quickly if you see a house you like immediately. This can help to prevent you from making impulsive decisions and increase your chance of finding a home you will be happy in for many years.
When viewing a home, asking the appropriate questions may help you learn important details that will enable you to make an informed decision about purchasing. Key questions you should ask include:
- How long has the house been on the market?
- Why is it being sold?
- Have there been any offers on the house?
- Has there been any work carried out, is it guaranteed, and was proper planning permission obtained?
- Have the sellers found a new house to buy?
- What’s included?
- Has the property been sold frequently?
- What kind of internet access is available?
If you’re not sure about a property, it’s worth asking your estate agent, who can give you an honest assessment of how it compares to others in the area, whether it represents good value and anything else you might want to know.
Looking for houses for sale in Paisley? Contact the experienced team at Movewise Property Agency or register with us right away!
