1. Check Out the Local Area
We’ve all heard of the saying “location, location, location”, and it’s popular for a reason. You can’t change the location of your home, but you can always make changes to the home that you are in.If you are moving to a new area that you aren’t very familiar with, try to visit the area at different times of the day. Visit the high street, local pubs, parks and take a walk around the area. When you’re visiting these places, try to chat to people as much as possible to gain some insight into what it’s like to live and work there.
It is also worth finding out what the upcoming plans are for the area, it could be that there are a lot of improvements being made and the location will only go from strength to strength.
2. Chat with a Local Estate Agent
This is the best way to find the home of your dreams, it's important to find an estate agent who knows the area well. Let the estate agent know what your budget is, what type of home you are looking for and what your situation is. If you are a young family looking for your next home, finding a house in the right location for the best schools will be a vital requirement. Whereas, if you are retired and looking to downsize, you might prefer a bungalow with easy access to scenic walks.A good estate agent will be able to help you choose the right property and guide you on the local areas with fantastic inside knowledge.
3. Market Research
If you have found some properties that you are interested in, it might be worth finding similar properties in the area that have sold over the last few years.You may find a house that you have fallen in love with, but needs a full renovation. By checking out similar properties that have sold in the last couple of years that have been at a high standard, you can get an idea of what that home will be worth once the work has been completed.
4. Waiting List
By registering with a local estate agency and advising them on the types of property you are looking for and the range of your budget, they can often advise you on upcoming properties before they are listed on the market.By doing this, you are more likely to find the home of your dreams because as soon as a property comes available that fits your criteria, the estate agent can book a viewing appointment.
5. Check Out Upcoming Changes to the Area
Unfortunately, you can’t own a view so if you have found a property that has an amazing sea view that you are willing to pay for, you will want to know if there are planned works to obstruct this.To avoid any nasty surprises, check out planning permissions made in the local area. This way you can make an informed decision and won’t be taken by surprise if there are building developments taking place around the area you live in.
6. View at Different Times of the Day
It’s much easier to view a property in daylight, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a drive around the area at different times of the day.If the property is located near a school and you are viewing the property late morning, you might not be aware of the cars lined up down the street at school pick up and drop off times. Or perhaps your property is in the bustling town centre with a great nightlife, the location may be handy but if you can hear music playing from the local bar until the early hours of the morning, you may have second thoughts about the property.
7. Consider the Resale Desirability
Unless this is your ‘forever home’, consider how easy or difficult it will be to sell your home when you decide to move.You may love everything about the property, but if the property has been on the market for some time, it is worth trying to work out why. Having this knowledge will ensure that you are more equipped when you decide to put your future home on the market, and between that time you can make the choice to make the house more marketable.
8. Stay Motivated
It can be frustrating when you fall in love with a house and your offer is not accepted, but don’t let it get you down. Follow these tips and keep looking, as one day soon you’ll have an offer accepted on the home of your dreams.If you’d like any more tips or information on buying your next home, why not get in touch with our friendly staff on 028 9065 3333, or get in touch here.