6 Quick Tips for Finding the Right House

There are many needs and desires that you have to juggle with and prioritise when viewing houses. Should you follow the fluttering sensations of the heart or the rational and logical processes of the brain? We went though the full range of emotions when we recently moved house and it can all be very overwhelming. But the most essential advice is to buy a house carefully because you aren't just purchasing bricks and mortar, you are buying a framework for your life.

Do your research

When choosing a new home you have to familiarise yourself with the market for the specific area that suits you. It is important to look at the sales prices of houses that match your dream home and work out what you can afford. When you check the prices, the actual search for housing starts.

Bigger isn’t always better

Many advertisements are aimed at giving us the feeling that bigger automatically means better. A bigger house, so you have more room for a wonderful life with your family. A larger car, so you can turn every day into a great adventure with your friends. Doesn't that all sound wonderful? But bigger isn’t always better. A big house an hour's drive away from work and school away isn't going to make your life much fun. It's about finding that balance between size and comfort. Plus generally, larger things cost more money which means bigger home loans which is fine if you can afford it, but make sure you do your research first. 

Purchase a home that stays in budget

Before you start your search, it’s crucial to get an insight into your financial possibilities. Buying a house is an expensive affair, and there are lots of extra costs on top of the purchase price.

To cover all these costs, you often have to use a combination of sources: own resources, a loan (a mortgage loan or a bridging loan) and/or the proceeds from the sale of your current home. Be sure to be assisted by a financial expert, so that you get a clear view of your options. If you need professional, fast, easy, and free to use mortgage broker, visit Habito website or explore mortgage refinancing with the experts at SoFi.

Location, Location, Location

When buying a new house, the location is one of the most important criteria. Not only is does it have implications for the price of your new home, it will also help determine how you should organise your life from now on.

Take into account:

• The 'living feeling': do you want to live in the city or in the countryside? Do you like greenery or busy areas?
  
• Accessibility: do you have an easy connection with public transport and/or major motorways?
• Schools: Are you in the catchment area for good schools?
  

Do a home inspection

During the house viewing, you should carefully check the condition of the building. It’s important not to be overwhelmed by the seller, but to assess the property critically. Make a checklist in advance, for example, note:

• The light - Are the windows double glazed?
  
• The heating - Is the boiler old or new? Do the radiators look new?
  
• The electrical installation - Does the fuse box look new? Is there any dodgy looking wiring?
  
• The condition of the roof and the woodwork
  

If you aren't confident with these elements then take someone along to a second viewing who can give you another pair of eyes and as you progress the sale you can have a building survey conducted to check the structural integrity of the property.

Picture your family living in the house

Imagine your family living in the home you want to buy. Walk around the garden and imagine how you would feel standing there with a cup of coffee. If the rooms are crowded with furniture look up at the ceilings to get an idea of the space. Why not imagine which furniture would you place in the different rooms?

Buying a home has to be a joint decision between both organs: the brain and the heart.


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