We tend to think of anything to do with property as hugely stressful, but there are ways to make the process more enjoyable than nerve-wracking
There’s no doubt about it, buying a house is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It can also be one of the most stressful, but whether you’re taking your first step onto the property ladder or simply looking to move up it, there are plenty of ways to ease the tension when it comes to shopping for your perfect home.
With that in mind, these are our top 8 tips for making the house buying process as stress free as possible. Take a look and start planning your future today.
Get your finances sorted in advance
There’s a right order and a wrong order when it comes to house hunting. Some people like to find their dream house first and then start worrying about finances, but this can leave you with costs you didn’t expect. Instead, gauge a clear idea of your financial situation so you can search within your comfort range.
Consider residential bridge loans
Residential bridging loans provide you with greater freedom when it comes to finding your dream home. Unlike more traditional finance methods like mortgages, bridging loans are short term loans which give you fast access to funds when you need them. They are often used to ‘bridge’ a gap in your finances when waiting for a home to sell, or in order to take advantage of a fleeting property opportunity for which you need finance fast.
Check areas you can actually afford
There are many questions you’ll need to ask yourself when searching for the right home, such as how much can you realistically afford, and how far you are willing to travel. Find areas which offer the best of both worlds, an area you’re happy with and a price you can pay. It may not be your absolute dream location, but that’s why compromise is important.
Start small and branch out
To keep your search focussed, try starting your house hunting in a single area you like the look of, and then expand your search if and when the time comes. This will stop the search from seeming too overwhelming. You can also check out this new home builder to see if there are options you like. If you do find something worth pursuing, you can start your search from there.
Try to find up and coming areas
These areas can usually be found on the fringes of very popular places, and represent peak value. While buying in a place that’s currently experiencing a popularity boom can cost you a lot, thinking ahead and looking at areas which may see a surge in the near future can help to bag a great deal. If you are moving with young children, you may also wish to find schools classed as local to you by your postcode, or the postcodes you are looking at, so that you can take a look at those to see if they might be a good fit for your little one(s).
Find local agents
Local estate agents tend to be more familiar with the area and offer a more personal level of expertise, so be sure to do your research and hunt around for the best options.
Look for properties where you can add value
If finding a home that ticks every box is proving difficult, consider searching for properties to which you can add value. A property that can be expanded to accommodate your’s and your family’s requirements could be a great long-term investment. You can also consider purchasing an old property at a low price that you can repair and renovate. By doing some structural improvements such as roof replacement, siding installation, and foundation repair by hiring a Concrete contractor in Tampa, FL (or elsewhere), you can increase the value of the house and make it habitable. Additionally, you can do some basic changes in interior design and landscaping to change its appearance and aesthetics. In this way, the value of your property can increase exponentially as opposed to the price you purchased it for; you can also make more money out of it if you decide to sell the house in the future.
Do lots of research before making an offer
A house is huge investment, so make sure you put in the necessary research before you even consider making an offer. Check out nearby transport links and amenities. Explore parking facilities and nearby green areas. If kids are part of the equation, make sure to check out local schools. You should never make an offer on a property without viewing it at least twice.