Buying a house for the first time can be a daunting task for most people. Where do you start? How much can you spend? Where should you buy a house? These are just a few of the many questions that may be flying around in your head.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled these 5 simple steps for first time buyers. We hope they will help set your mind at ease.
Step 1 – Work Out Your Budget
One of the first things you will want to find out is what your budget is going to be. If you’re going to be taking out a mortgage then have a chat with an independent mortgage advisor. By going through your earnings and current financial commitments, they will be able to give you a good idea of how much you can borrow.
Step 2 – Pinpoint Your Priorities
It’s very rare that people get everything they want when looking for their first home, or any home for that matter. So, you’ll need to decide what your priorities are. Would you like to live in a nice area or would you prefer to have more space? Do you want to be close to town or would you prefer a more rural setting? It’s wise to spend a little time making a list of your priorities, as well as any sacrifices you would be willing to make.
Step 3 – Start Looking
Once you know your budget and have decided what your priorities are, you’ll then be ready to start searching for a property. A main website people use to find a property is Rightmove but there are others. Don’t forget that bricks and mortar estate agents still exist, though. Spending an afternoon visiting some local agents could be very useful in helping you to better understand the areas where you are looking to buy.
Step 4 – View Some Houses
When you find a few properties you like the look of, it’s time to book some viewings with the respective agents. Don’t worry, viewing a property doesn’t mean you have to buy it. The viewing process will simply allow you to get a better idea of how a property flows. You’ll also see the area it’s in and will be able to better identify any flaws. To make the most of your viewings take a few moments to read this house viewing checklist.
Step 5 – Make an Offer
Once you’ve found a house you want to buy, it’s time to make an offer. To do this you will need to get in touch with the agent marketing the property. Be sure to do your research when deciding how much you’d like to offer and stick to your budget.
Do Your Research and Take Advice
We hope that the simple steps to buying your first home in this post have set your mind at rest. Buying a home isn’t something to be scared of, it’s just a case of doing your research and taking the right advice.