Purchasing your very first house can be an exciting milestone in everyone’s life, but it often turns out to be a very overwhelming experience. With so many factors to consider and decisions to make, it’s easy to feel lost. Therefore, to help you navigate this complex journey of becoming a homeowner, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for first-time homebuyers. Whether you’re starting to save for a deposit or about to make an offer, these tips will help guide you through the process.
Determine your Budget
This is the first step to buying a house. It will, however, require a little more than just considering the purchase price of your potential property. There are other expenses that you need to calculate, including stamp duty, solicitor fees, survey costs, and moving expenses. You can use online mortgage calculators that give you an idea of what your monthly repayments will be and make sure that you are comfortable with the amount. It’s also worth getting a principle agreement for a mortgage, so you know exactly how much a lender is prepared to loan you.
Save for a Deposit
Saving for a deposit is often the biggest hurdle for first-time buyers. The larger your deposit is, the better the deals on mortgages you will be offered. Aim to save at least 10% of the property’s value, although 20% will put any buyer in a much stronger position. You can also look into government programmes to boost your savings.
Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a major determinant of whether you will be approved for the loan. The lender looks at your credit score to determine your eligibility for the repayment. Before you apply for your mortgage, check out your credit score and see if you need to improve it. It may mean that you pay off existing debts, make sure you are on the electoral roll, or even correct errors that may appear on your credit report.
Understand the Different Types of Mortgages
There are several types of mortgages that one can opt for, each having its pros and cons. Fixed-rate deals stabilise by charging a fixed rate of interest for a particular period of time. Variable-rate deals go in line with fluctuating market conditions. You can actually come up with a wise decision on the kind of deal to go for according to your current situation and future prospects. Consulting a mortgage adviser may really help clear out options and help you find the best deal.
Research the Market
Before you start house hunting, take some time off to research the local housing market of your chosen area; that is, the price of property, recent sales, and market trends. This gives you a feel for what your money is going to buy you and how you can identify those good deals. Go to open houses and also speak with real estate agents to glean information at ground level.
Make a Wish List
Knowing precisely what you want in a home is important in order to make the search easier. Take time to write down your must-haves and deal-breakers. These considerations would most likely have to do with location, size of property, number of bedrooms, and proximity to schools or public transport. Be willing to compromise, but do have a wish list handy to assist in keeping you focused and avoiding falling for some property that really doesn’t meet your needs.
Get a Professional Survey
Once you’ve found a property you like, it’s crucial to get a professional survey. This will reveal potential problems with the property: structural issues, dampness, or plumbing failure. There are a lot of different types of surveys available, from basic condition reports to detailed building surveys. Even though this may end up being a little expensive, basically, surveys can save you money in the long run.
Factor in Additional Costs
In addition to the purchase price and deposit, there are several other costs associated with buying a home. These include stamp duty, solicitor fees, mortgage arrangement fees, and removal costs. Be sure to make allowance for these extras if you don’t want financial shock.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
Do not be afraid to negotiate the price of the purchase. The sellers always anticipate some kind of negotiation with the buyers, mainly concerning the price at which they are selling. Justify your offer by doing research on the local market, and walk out if the price does not come within your budget.
Stay Organised
The home-buying process includes much paperwork and keeping things in sync with the concerned parties. Keeping track of the required documents, emails, and deadlines ensures the smooth functioning of things. Making a checklist may help in keeping you organised about the process and guaranteeing that no vital step is overlooked.
Seek Professional Advice
Buying a house is likely to be the largest financial decision you will ever have to make. Thus, it makes sense to involve professionals who can help you manage your transactions smoothly. A mortgage advisor will help you process all the best deals in mortgages. On the other hand, the solicitor will deal with your legal issues. Never be afraid to ask questions; ensure that you know what each process entails.
Plan for the Future
Choose a home which will suit all your needs in the future too. This shall help you choose a property which will accommodate all your long-term plans and save you the hassle of moving again in a few years.
Owning your first home is a milestone, but with some careful planning and advice, it really can be a dream process. By following these tips, you will be well on the right path to finding the perfect home for you and having a sound investment in your future. Good luck!