Top tips for buying a house

October 30, 2015 by Brendan

First-time buyers

Buying a new home is an exciting time, but it will possibly be the most expensive item you will ever buy, so you want to buy a property that will be a sound investment. There are so many things to look out for when viewing a property, so that you can decide how much you would like to offer for a property. According to a survey by Which? This year, buyers are likely to offer less for a house if they spend more time viewing the property.

Multiple viewings

Don’t be afraid of viewing a property more than once, especially if you are considering putting in an offer on it. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test drive and possibly asking an expert to look at the engine, so why buy a home based on one viewing? View the house at least twice, ideally at different times of the day, so that you get a true reflection of what the house and street are like.

The structure of the house

Walk around the outside of the house so you can check for any signs of damp or cracks in the exterior walls. If you spot any damaged guttering or loose or missing roof tiles, ask the owner what caused the problem and whether it will be fixed prior to selling. Rather than relying on a mortgage valuation, which just confirms that the house is worth the amount you want to pay for it, make sure you have a property survey carried out to look for any faults that may be more expensive to put right.

The neighbourhood

When you move into your new home, you want to be happy there for many years. If you are planning a family, or already have children, check out the local amenities and schools. If you will rely on public transport, make sure that you have a local bus that will take you where you want to go. Visit the area at various times of day, like late at night or at weekends, so you can spot any signs of trouble in the neighbourhood.

Professional advice

Seek advice from professionals, especially a CeMAP trained mortgage adviser who will be able to help you to obtain a suitable mortgage. The knowledge of a mortgage adviser can save large amounts of money on the overall cost of a mortgage, and even help you to pay off the loan earlier than planned.