There could be many reasons why you are looking for a new home, but moving is such a stressful experience it is not something you want to do very often. The perfect solution is to find a home that you are happy to stay in for a very long time, and then as well as the hassle, you will save yourself the moving costs as well.
Find The Location
The first thing to decide is the location you want to live. There are several things you need to consider, such as the local amenities and how far you are from good schools if you have children. All areas have reputations, and if you are not too sure about the place you are looking at, speak to some of the locals who already live there. They will be happy to tell you the pros and cons of a location, and you should take notice of what they have to say.
You also need to think about how far you want to be from your family. Could being too far cause a problem if you or they need help? Having family fairly close can be a bonus. Grandparents are generally pleased to act as babysitters if you want an evening out, and siblings can be great to spend some fun time with.
When you have to choose where you want to live it can be a daunting prospect. But consider everything about the lifestyle you want to lead before deciding on a location.
You also need to consider the climate, as generally the further north you head in the UK, the colder and wetter the weather gets.
A Realistic Budget
Be realistic about how much you can spend, or you may end up with a mortgage payment that causes you to worry and stress. Remember that your home is what you make it, and having a larger house does not automatically mean you will be happier.
As long as the new home has enough bedrooms and bathrooms for your family, or the family you are planning for the future, the other rooms will be manageable, and you can always do things like adding a conservatory to give you some extra space.
Once you have set your budget try to stick to it, as it is very easy to fall in love with a home that is more than you can afford.
Check Your Credit History
Before applying for a mortgage, get a copy of your credit history and make sure it is correct. Often they have errors in them and it can take a lot of work to prove they are wrong. It can then take up top 90 days to get the mistakes put right, and if in that time a mortgage lender looks, they may well turn you down for a mortgage.
Each time you make an application to borrow money, even if you do not proceed, it is recorded on your credit history. If you approach another lender a short while after the first, they will wonder what the first one found out that made them decline the offer. The more applications you make, the worse the situation gets, so get your credit history in order before applying for a mortgage.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
If you have pets that need room to roam, make sure the new home you buy has a garden for them. Think about if a small garden would be enough, which might be for a cat, or do you need more room for them to run around, as is probably the case with a dog. If you’re unable to purchase a home with a garden search for pet friendly apartments.
Gardening
It is no use buying a property with a huge garden if you hate gardening, unless, of course, you can afford to pay someone to do it for you. There is more to a garden than mowing the lawns. Flowerbeds have to be weeded and so do pathways. Trees and shrubs will need trimming too.
Consider The Type Of Homes
So now you have considered most things about your new home, next it is time to look at the type of home you want. Are you after a luxury new home, such as the ones being built by Redrow, or do you want an older home? Would you prefer a modern home with all the conveniences of central heating and constant hot water, or do you want a cottage that you may have to add these things to? Do you want a bungalow so you do not have any stairs?
It is best to approach this stage with a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘must not haves’, and then you can very quickly disregard some of the properties you view.
You have to be prepared to look at all types of property if you want to find the one that can be your forever home, and realise that you may have to compromise over some things.
Take Your Time
Do not be in a rush. Have the patience to view as many properties as it takes, and even if that is many months you will be glad that you did not buy the first one you looked at. Never be afraid to ask the vendor questions that matter to you and if they do not answer directly, there is a good chance there is something they are trying to hide.
Prices are never set in stone. They are always negotiable and you should make an offer lower than the asking price to start with. If you really love a property, you may well end up paying the full price, but do not miss the chance to save a few pounds first of all. This should particularly be the case if the property is an older one and needs some repairs. You can get estimates for the amount they will cost and use that as a negotiating tool.
A home is probably the largest purchase you will make in your life, which is why getting it right is so vitally important. You will be glad you took everything into consideration before you bought, and hopefully, will be happy there for many years.
