The Key Considerations That You Need to Make When Buying a Property

Buying a property is a major investment. You need to make sure that you are fully aware of the process that is involved in this decision. For some, it can be an overwhelming experience. The jargon and the financial process can be complicated to understand. What is more, the physical process of house hunting can be less than exciting and more of a chore.

Relax.

What you need is a handy guide to assist you with your house buying quest.

With thanks to Philip Taylor on Flickr - https://flic.kr/p/bDwfRq

Here are the key considerations that you need to make when buying a property:

1.    Working Out a Budget

While you may dream of living in a country mansion in the middle of nowhere, you need to be realistic. Working out a budget is important. Are you buying a property alone or is this a joint venture? Typically, you will be loaned money based on your income. As a single person, this is three times your annual salary. As a joint venture, this is worked out at five times your combined yearly salary. Of course, you will need to have a deposit. In the UK, this is worked out at 15% of your mortgage rate. This can be difficult to get. But, working out a reasonable budget is critical. Cutting out luxuries such as eating out may be advisable for the short term. You should be prepared to have your finances scrutinised. Mortgages can be difficult to obtain. But, they are not impossible to get. You should compile an adequate income and expenditure to ensure that your money goes further. When you are in the midst of buying a property, budgeting is imperative to your success.

2.    What Are Your Requirements?

Once you have worked out your budget, you need to consider what your requirements are. Do you plan to buy a house that is fit for purpose now? Are you looking at buying a property to raise a family in? Is a driveway important? Would you like additional room to build an extension or conservatory?

While no one is expecting you to have a crystal ball to look into the future, thinking about your requirements is important. Buying a house is a great investment. You need to think carefully about what you need from your home, now and in the future.

You should think about how many bedrooms you need from a property. You will be expected to pay for more space. Two bedroom houses are significantly cheaper than three bedroom properties. Of course, you can purchase a house that is fit for purpose now. You can always move in the future. Some people buy a house and term it as their ‘forever home.’

Whatever your plan is, you need to make sure that you are thinking about the future when you purchase a property.

3.    What Kind Of Property to Choose: New versus Old

There are many attractive houses within the current property market. Many people want a brand new house. This is because new homes come with the warranty. Others prefer to buy older properties as renovation projects. Whatever property you decide to purchase, ensure that you are doing it based on sound decisions.

New Properties: These often involve less stamp duty. The taxes on new builds are lower. The maintenance in these properties is very little. What is more, they can be a sound investment when purchased in an up and coming area.

Old Properties: many people see these as a lucrative option. Buying an older house leaves room for renovation. This can make a major profit in the long term.

4.    Location, Location, Location

Whether you are relocating to a new area or staying in your hometown, you need to consider the location. According to http://www.thepromove.com/, practical considerations should be made, such as commuting time to work. Furthermore, you should think about the quality of the schools in the area. You should also consider what amenities are local to your property. These are all important factors when finding the right place to reside in permanently.

5.    Arranging Appointments: Be Flexible

One of the biggest stumbling blocks that buyers face is arranging appointments. You need to bear in mind that this is a competitive market. With this in mind, you need to make arrangements as soon as possible. Many estate agents are flexible, but you also need to be flexible too. Some appointments are conducted on evenings and weekends, but you may have to be prepared to take time off work.

6.    Making An Offer That Can’t Be Refused

Making an offer on a property can be daunting. After all, this is a great investment on your behalf. You should try to make an offer that is slightly under the asking price. This will make your mortgage cheaper in the long run. However, you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. Someone else will snap up the house, and you will be left with no property at all. You should only offer less if it is necessary. If the house is in a fantastic location and is in a good state of repair, by offering less you are likely to be rejected. Only offer less when it is practical. Negotiating a great deal will not harm your chances of homeownership. You need to be savvy with your cash. After all, this is a huge sum of money. You don’t want to spend more than necessary. Penny pinching is imperative in the housing market. This frees up more money for renovations.

7.    Moving Day!

Moving day is an exciting time for many new homeowners. Remember, you need to seek the services of a moving company to assist you. This will take the stress out of your move. When you are visiting financial providers and estate agents, you don’t want to have to move your house by yourself. This is a savvy way of taking the stress out of moving. Compiling practical checklists are also critical to alleviating the stress out of moving. You can find examples of these online.