Buying a house for the first time is really exciting – and it can also be quite daunting.
After all, there’s so much to think about. From mortgages and insurance to bathroom suites and getting all your stuff moved in, there is a lot to sort out when you’re buying a house. Read on for some top tips for first time buyers, which will hopefully help make the process at least a little bit easier.
Research the local area
Something you should always do when buying a house is to research the local area. Looking at property prices for houses similar to the one you are interested in buying is a good place to start, as this will help you determine whether or not the house is on the market for a fair price.
Also look at things such as local amenities: are there shops and restaurants? What are the transport links like? Will you be able to get to work easily from your new home? If you’re buying a house with the intention of starting a family, it can also be a good idea to look at issues such as schools in the area. Houses in the catchment area for good schools are also popular when it comes to selling them on in the future, so this is something to bear in mind.
Visit properties more than once
It can also be a good idea to visit properties you’re interested in more than once. You can forget things about the house if you only go once, so going back for at least one more visit will be very helpful. You should particularly look at the important practical rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms, as these can often be the most time-consuming to change if you’re not a fan of the décor.
It can also be useful to visit the local area at different times of the day to find out what it’s like. After all, a place can change a lot in the space of a few hours, so finding out about the local nightlife and the character of the area can be helpful when you’re trying to decide where to live.
Build in the cost of renovation work
Another tip for first time buyers is to look for houses with potential. Often, if a property needs a fair amount of work doing to it, you’ll be able to get it for a better price, so don’t be put off by houses that need renovating. As long as you’re aware of any major structural issues before you buy the house and you make sure to build in the cost of renovations, you should be fine. For instance, you can buy items such as bathroom furniture and bathroom suites for good prices, so if you have the choice between a pristine but expensive house and a moderately priced house with bags of potential, it might well be worth going for the latter.
Don’t forget additional fees and costs
When you’re saving for your deposit, don’t forget to build in money for costs such as estate agent’s and solicitor’s fees. There are also insurance costs to consider once you have bought your home, so it can be wise to plan for these in advance.
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