A couple of weeks ago, we looked at some of the major things you need to consider when you’re on the hunt for a new home. Today, we’re going to follow on from that article with some more things you should keep in mind when searching for your dream home.
Compare the Houses
After a little bit of searching, you should have a shortlist of properties that you like. Now comes the time to compare them. Draw up a list of the things you really want from a property, and stack the ones you’ve found against this list.
You’ll usually find there are a couple of properties that come close to matching your criteria. On rare occasions, you will find the property that matches all of them. Regardless, this process allows you to separate the contenders from the also-rans. It also prompts you to take a deeper look at the properties you’ve found, which ensures you don’t end up settling for anything less than what you want.
Walkthrough – Part Two
Now you’ve got a couple of properties that you’re seriously considering, it’s time to arrange a second viewing. This is where the really small details start coming into play. You should have already identified any major issues that you during your first visit, so now you should look for the little things that might make you fall in love, or begin to hate, the property.
What these little things are really depend on you. It could be something as small as the positioning of the windows, or the amount of space you have in the corridors. These little bugbears may not seem like much now, but you’ll grow to resent them in time. Use your second visit to make sure there’s aren’t any little molehills that might turn into mountains at a later date.
Do Some Curb Checks
You know what the interior looks like, but how much focus have you given to the exterior? Curb checks allow you to see what the property actually looks like in the light of day.
We recommend carrying out a few curb checks at different times of the day. You may find that a property that looks great in the light starts to fade away when night falls. You can also use this period to check out the surrounding neighbourhood. You may find you spot some issues, such as vandalism or noise problems, that you didn’t find the first time around.
Speak to the Seller
You’ll speak to sellers and their agents throughout the house hunting process, but you really need to pay attention to what they’re saying. Be wary of any who try to avoid pointed questions, as this suggests that they have something to hide.
Ideally, you’ll find a seller who offers some flexibility, which offers you the room you need to negotiate. Do not underestimate the positive effects that having a cooperative seller can have on buying a home.
The Final Word
So there you have it; our comprehensive run down of the key house hunting steps. Put these tips into action and you should find the ideal home for you.
