Looking for your new home is exciting but it can also be frustrating at times. Anything you can do to make it a little easier, and also save time when you are on the search for a house, is beneficial. We’ve put together a few ideas to help make house hunting easier for you.
Agree a budget
It can be disheartening finding your dream home but realising it’s more than you want to spend. Therefore, agreeing a budget will help avoid disappointment and will leave you with homes that are more affordable to you.
Remember to consider additional costs like stamp duty and solicitor fees. Using a mortgage calculator can help you understand how much you can borrow, as well as other expenses.
Write a wish list
Create a wish list for your ideal house but remember to be realistic considering your budget. You might want to consider the possibility of renovating if you want something more specific and bespoke to your needs. Writing out a list of features e.g. a garden, a minimum number of bedrooms or a driveway will narrow down your search, and you will only view the houses that meet your requirements. Don’t settle for a house you are not happy with, you want to enjoy living in your new home.
Research locations
Sometimes the location can be more important than the property. An area with good transport links, schools, shops and parks are desirable things you may want nearby. There are online resources you can use to check what the area is like, for example the internet speed, crime rate and local services.
Window shop
Have a look at properties online to see what is currently available. It can give you an idea of what you like the look of and what you can get within your budget. You can use the filters to match what is on your wish list and save your favourite properties.
Take photos and revisit
You’ve started viewing houses but maybe you’re unsure which one you like the most. Taking photos or revisiting the property is an easy way to help remember what you liked about the property and gives you another chance to make sure if this it is the right house for you.
Time and patience
Buying a house is a big investment. You might change your mind about what you want from a house or you might decide to save a bit more so you can afford something better. Don’t worry if it takes a while to find the right house for you because when you do it, will have been worth the wait.
Be prepared
Using a mortgage adviser is one of the easiest ways to be prepared for when you find the house you want to buy. They will advise you on what documents you need to apply for a mortgage, they will help you find a mortgage product that is right for your circumstances and will be there every step of the way, even after you get the keys to your new home.
If you are planning to start your house hunt, get some local mortgage advice in XX from one of our expert advisors, who’ll be happy to help you with the mortgage process and answer any queries you have.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender of you remortgage.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.