Being in a financial position to buy your own home is a dream for many people and when the moment comes, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement. Buying a home requires a lot of organisation, planning and learning along the way and it also requires help and guidance to avoid making bad decisions.
Location
Decide on your location and what areas you are prepared to consider. This will save me looking at unsuitable properties. If you’re moving to a new area, make sure you do your homework before making any offer. Visit the property at different times of the day and visit the local area to make sure it is the right place for you. Spending time at the local park and going out in the evening in the local area will help give you time looking at unsuitable properties. If you’re moving to a new area, make sure you do your homework before making any offer. Visit the property at different times of the day and visit the local area to make sure it is the right place for you. Spending time at the local park and going out in the evening in the local area will help give you a feel for the place.
If you have a young family, or are planning one, research the local schools and leisure facilities and also consider the public transport options and whether there are any new developments planned which may affect your property or the location.
Price
Speak to a mortgage adviser and get help calculating your budget. There are lots of additional costs to take into consideration when moving, including surveys. For anyone looking at sourcing a home buyers survey Oxfordshire has plenty of specialist providers. You will also be required to organise a property valuation and have a building survey.
When you have made up your mind and are ready to make an offer, research how much similar properties in the area have gone for and speak to the estate agent for advice. First time buyers have an advantage in that they are not in a chain and this can be appealing to the sellers and may help with negotiations. Remember again how much similar properties in the area have gone for and speak to the estate agent for advice. First time buyers have an advantage in that they are not in a chain and this can be appealing to the sellers and may help with negotiations. Remember again that for a home buyers survey Oxfordshire conveyancing firms can help.
Unfortunately, first time buyers are often targeted by fraudsters, so make sure you protect yourself.
The property
When viewing the property, make a note of any concerns you have. Check the doors and windows close properly and look at light fittings and power sockets. Decorating can be relatively cheap, but rewiring and plumbing is expensive and disruptive. Finally, check how much natural light gets into the property doors and windows close properly and look at light fittings and power sockets. Decorating can be relatively cheap, but rewiring and plumbing is expensive and disruptive. Finally, check how much natural light gets into the property and the state of the kitchen appliances and radiators.