Tips to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible
THE PROCESS OF FINDING a home, whether as a firsttime buyer or a seasoned mover, is exciting. However, it is important to remember that the purchase of a home is a major financial investment. Therefore, it is crucial to do your research and work with experienced professionals in order to ensure that you are making the best possible decision for your unique situation. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home. These tips will help to ensure that the process of buying a home is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
START YOUR SEARCH EARLY The sooner you start looking for a property, the better. This will give you more time to find the perfect home and also get a feel for the different areas that you might be interested in. Think about what kind of property you need. Do you want a house or an apartment? How many bedrooms do you need? Consider your lifestyle and needs when making this decision. When you’re viewing properties, pay attention to their condition. If a property needs a lot of work, it may not be the best option for you.
DO YOUR RESEARCH Before you start looking at properties, do your research and have a good idea of what you’re looking for. Otherwise, you could end up wasting time viewing properties that don’t suit your needs. Location is key, so think about where you want to be based and what kind of lifestyle you’re after. Do you want to be in the city or the countryside? Do you need good transport links? Consider all of these factors before beginning your research.
GET HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL If you’re not sure where to start or what you’re doing, it’s always a good idea to seek help from a professional. A good estate agent will be able to help you find the right property and also give you advice on the best way to proceed.
SET A BUDGET One of the most important things to do when buying a home is to set a budget. This will ensure that you don’t overspend and end up in financial difficulty. Make sure you have a realistic idea of how much you can afford to spend on a property. Research the average prices in the area you’re interested in and get professional advice from a mortgage adviser.
BE PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE When it comes to buying a property, it’s important to be prepared to negotiate. If you’re not happy with the asking price, don’t be afraid to try and haggle. Make sure your offer is based on what you think is a fair price for the property. Make a strong offer so that the seller knows you’re serious about buying their property. If the seller isn’t willing to budge on the price, then walk away from the negotiation. It’s important to remember that there are other properties out there and you don’t want to overpay for your new home.
GET A MORTGAGE AGREED IN PRINCIPLE Before you start looking at properties, it’s a good idea to get a free no obligation mortgage agreed in principle. This will give you an indication of how much you can borrow and also make the buying process easier. This can be extremely useful when it comes to budgeting for your new home. It also shows sellers that you are serious about buying and it gives you more bargaining power. In addition, it can speed up the process of getting a mortgage because the lender will already have all of your information on file and will simply need to do a final assessment before approving the loan.
MAKE SURE YOU VIEW THE PROPERTY When you’re looking to buy a property, there are a few key things you should look for during the viewing process. First, be sure to inspect the condition of the property both inside and out. This includes checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear, as well as making sure that all fixtures and fittings are in good working order. Take a close look at the surrounding area. Is the property located in a safe and desirable neighbourhood? Are there any local amenities nearby, such as schools, shops or parks? And what is the general level of noise and traffic in the area? Think about your future plans for the property. If you’re intending to live in it long-term, you’ll need to make sure that it has enough space for your needs.
GET A SURVEYOR’S REPORT Get a surveyor’s report, which will help to identify any potential issues with the property that you might not be aware of. The report will include information about the condition of the property, as well as any potential problems that could arise in the future. Many mortgage lenders will require a surveyor’s report before they will approve a loan for a property purchase. This document can provide you with valuable information about the property you are interested in, and can help you avoid making a purchase that you may later regret.
BE PREPARED FOR UNEXPECTED COSTS As with any major purchase, buying a property comes with a number of associated costs that can add up quickly. When you’re buying a property, there are always going to be unexpected costs. Be aware of this and factor it into your budget. Here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for your property purchase: Stamp Duty Land Tax; legal fees; survey costs; mortgage fees; and moving costs.
USE A SOLICITOR When you’re buying a property, use a solicitor. They will be able to help with the legal aspects of the purchase and also deal with any issues that might arise. They can help to protect your interests and ensure that the process goes smoothly. A good solicitor will be able to advise you on the best way to buy your property, taking into account your individual circumstances. They can also negotiate with the seller on your behalf, and deal with any legal issues that may arise. Using a solicitor is especially important if you’re buying a property at auction. They can provide invaluable advice on the bidding process and make sure that you don’t overspend. Note that in Scotland the selling, buying and legal processes differ from the rest of the UK. In particular, properties are marketed with either a ‘fixed price’ or at ‘offers over’ a certain figure, which is the lowest amount a seller will accept. Estate agents tend to operate from within solicitor firms. These tips are still applicable to the general procedure for finding a property to buy in Scotland.
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By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to find the right property for you. Looking for a mortgage deal? To find out more speak to Omni Finance – telephone 01424 236903 – email simon.hickman@omnifinance.co.uk
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. BUY TO LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT USUALLY REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY. OMNI FINANCE IS AN APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF NEW LEAF DISTRIBUTION LTD WHO ARE AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY (FCA). FCA NUMBER IS 460421.
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