It can be an exciting time when you are considering moving to a new home, but as with any large purchasing decision, it is important to do your homework. You might find what appears to be your dream home, only to discover it is a money pit once you move in. So, if you are looking to move to a new property, this guide gives you some tips on what to look out for before you sign.

Have your mortgage loan in place
Having your mortgage approved by a lender puts you in a favorable position compared to another buyer who hasn’t. If you have been pre-approved for the loan, a sellers will be more inclined to sell to you, as you already have the funds in place. It also helps speed up the buying process as you don’t have to wait for approval. Shop around for the best lenders that can offer you a loan with repayments that work for your needs.

View a property several times
You’ve found what looks to be the perfect house, so you arrange a viewing. When you get there it all looks great, and you start to get excited. Could this be the one? Well, before you get carried away, visit the house a few more times, at different times during the day. What is the street like during rush hour? During the evenings, are there any youths that congregate that could become an annoyance?
Visiting a property, or even just passing by it at different times of day will help you build a picture of what it would be like to live there, and then you can base your decision upon what you discover.

Do a thorough house inspection
One of the most important tips for buying a new property is that you do a thorough house inspection. On your first viewing, take notice of anything that looks unusual, such as patches on the ceilings or mold spots on walls. Be aware of any smells that might be damp, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about things such as how old the boiler is or when the windows were put in.
Also, get a second or third look at the property from the inside to make sure you know what you are buying. For example, you might notice a crack in the wall that you didn’t see before, or realize that a freshly painted area could be hiding some damage. If you know someone who is in the building trade or a property developer, take them with you when viewing as they might notice something that you miss.
You can also get a house inspector to do the work for you, and this is worthwhile as they know exactly what to look for.

Check out the area
When buying a home to live in, then you will need to also view the local area to make sure it has all the amenities you need. For example, are there any grocery stores within walking distance, or would you have to drive? Is the local school good? Are there play parks and sports facilities you might like to visit? Or, you might value peace and quiet over convenience. When you have everything you need, it makes it a more satisfying place to live, so make sure you know what the area is like before you commit to buying.

Don’t rush into it
When you think you have found the best property for your budget, it can be really exciting. That is when most of us will feel the urge to hurry things along to get the sale process going. However, you should never make such a decision in a rush! While you don’t want to let a property get snapped up before you get the chance to buy, you also don’t want to regret buying it when you notice that another property has come on the market that also looks great. Take your time to think everything through logically before you decide to go for it.

Make sure the house is suitable for your future needs
What do you want to be doing in five years’ time? Maybe you want to start a new career, or begin or grow your family. Your home must be able to help you with your plans. For example, there is no point in buying a two bedroom home if you want to start a family, or if you anticipate having an elderly parent moving in with you at some time.
If you want to begin a new career that means you need to commute to a city, then buying a home that is in an isolated location will be a nuisance.
Think ahead to the things you might want to do, and make sure that the home and the location meets those needs, otherwise you will probably have to move house again.

Negotiate
You could save yourself money if you are prepared to negotiate with a seller to get the best deal for you. For example, you might offer a lower price for the property, ask that the seller gets the boiler serviced, or ask them to cover the cost of any repair work that needs doing. Even just little things can add up to a good amount of money saved, so you don’t have to use your personal savings or look for the best credits cards to cover any costs that might arise once you move in.
Negotiating is something that your solicitor will be able to do on your behalf, so you don’t need to contact the seller directly.

When you are buying a new home, it is often a stressful time as well as an exciting one. On the one hand, you can’t wait to begin your new life in your new home, and yet you also know that you need to buy the right home that will suit your needs. By remembering these few tips, you’ll make sure you get the best home and a smooth buying process!