Buy Home Tips for Everyone

A house purchase can feel like a massive undertaking, and it can seem as if it’s going to never ever end. Find our top 10 house buying tips to make purchasing your next home easy.

1. 1. Get familiar with the key terms

When you decide to climb onto the ladder of property, a lot people don’t understand what the various house buying terms mean or that it even exists. Understanding the essential terms used in the process prior to making an offer will make sure that the transaction goes smoothly and efficiently.

Check out our glossary to discover the most important terms used when buying a house and their definitions. This will make every stage of the process clearer.

2. Determine the cost of purchasing a home.

When you purchase a home the expenses aren’t only limited to the amount of deposit. It is important to take into account all the costs that come when purchasing a house in determining your budget.

Also, you should consider the expense of buying new furniture if you’re a first-time buyer or have previously rented a furnished room. You may want to check out Freecycle that provides furniture for free in your area.

3. 3.

It is exciting to search for a home. With the numerous online agents available to choose from, it could be tempting even to search for the perfect home even if your current residence is on the market. It is essential not to be enticed and fall in love with the property before you’ve found a buyer, or else you could miss out on the house of your dreams to someone who has the funds already available.

It is almost always more profitable to sell your home before you purchase, however it’s not without difficulty. It can be much easier to purchase a home for first-time buyers, because they will only need to complete one transaction.

4. 4.Obtain an agreement on a mortgage in the principle

It is essential to obtain an “agreement of principle” prior to buying a house. This is a confirmation in writing that states how much your lender is willing to loan you to purchase a property. Having an ‘agreement in principle’ may give you an advantage over other potential buyers because sellers will know you are a serious buyer and have the necessary finances, giving you the best chance of securing the house you have made an offer on.

In addition, having an idea of the amount a mortgage company is willing to let you borrow will give you an idea of the budget you need to have to conduct your home search.

5. Check out the neighbourhood (at different times)

One of the last things you need to hear when you are settling down to enjoy the first night in your new house after a tiring day of moving is to hear the blaring music from the neighbour’s house until midnight. It is crucial to look at your prospective property several times and at different times throughout the day.

Go for a stroll through the neighborhood and talk to the people. Check out the local parks, shops and cafes. You should feel at home in your new home. It may be beneficial to look into the school options in your area, depending on how long you’re planning to stay.

You should also remember to snap photos of your homes that you visit because by the fifteenth house visit, they’ll likely have begun to merge into one. Photographs will ensure that the properties you view are in order when you go back over your viewings later. You may also be able to check the photos in case you forget to inspect something. The seller might not be happy by the constant checking of minor things.

In addition to this, you should also check the government’s Planning Portal so you can discover if major building works are planned to take place that could affect the enjoyment you get from the area and the price of your house when you sell on.

6. Find out what you are able to offer

Additionally, it is a great way to search for houses that might be of interest and properties, online searches for property will show you what properties in the local area have been sold for or are currently on the market for. This can give you an estimate of the amount you can make for the home you are interested in and the maximum price it can be sold at in the area. These searches can be started on sites like Rightmove as well as Zoopla.

The findings outlined in the report from your house survey may provide an opportunity to renegotiate on the purchase price, as it will indicate any structural problems and how much it will cost to repair. A valuation may also be added to the survey to ensure you are not over what is the market value of the property.

7. Contact the seller to request it to be removed from the market

If you have located your dream home and you are ready to make an offer, you are able to make an offer on the condition that the property goes off the market. This means that you are not at risk that someone else could make a better offer, and also stops the possibility of being ignored after you’ve completed the transaction.

8. Use only professionals

If you’ve received your offer, you’ll have to engage a conveyancing solicitor to deal with the paperwork and legal aspects of the deal. You’ll also need to schedule an inspection to be conducted and hire a removals company to ensure the safety of your possessions on the day of the ceremony.

Although it may be tempting to view the mortgage Valuation as sufficient however, it is essential to obtain an independent report by a RICS surveyor to conduct a thorough examination of the condition of the home.

It is vital that you ensure the firms involved with your move are professional and trustworthy. Reallymoving only partners with experienced and respected companies so that you can have confidence in your decision. We also allow you to see their actual customer reviews.

9. Communicate

Between the time you place an offer on a home between the time you make an offer and the day it is completed you should not take a vacation. Keep track of your progress and seek out help in case you’re confused or unsure. It is vital to not ignore anything you don’t understand. There are many factors that can impact the length of time required to buy the house. These include whether you’re in an estate chain, or are to lease agreements or your budget is a little tight. Be patient, and particularly as you approach the end of the process, take comfort in knowing that you’ll soon be finished with the documents!

10. Book your movers

It is important to set the date for moving ahead of time, and then find a team who can accommodate all of your belongings. Be aware of any furniture that has to be removed and then put back together. Make sure to pack any damaged objects carefully. If you reside on a higher floor and your home does not have an elevator, be sure you have access for your moving company. There’s no reason why buying houses should be stressful. And by booking beforehand, you’ll ensure your move is free of stress too.

Have the time to look over and download our moving guides to get a comprehensive list of who you must get in touch with and what you’ll have to consider and do during your moving process. Our Moving Home Timeline can also keep track of the moving process, checking off each stage you have completed.

And don’t forget to congratulate yourself for buying a home – it is a huge decision with lots of things to remember. Be sure to celebrate buying your dream home with a glass of bubbly, and lots of photos!