Choosing the right new home can be a difficult journey.
The secret to making the right choice is to not start by browsing the property websites, but to make a list of your requirements first. The list should include:
The area where you want to live
This should be as wide an area as possible, taking into account access to transport, schools, retail centres, your place of work and leisure activities. Then have a look at traffic flows; you don't want to be stuck in a traffic jam for hours, while taking the kids to school or getting to the office.
Nearby neighbourhoods
Once you've identified the area you like, take a look at the general area - developments taking place or planned, crime levels, whether the neighbourhood is on the up and up, or is deteriorating.
Your budget
Don't be tempted to buy a house you can't afford. Owning a house is not only about the bond repayment, but includes all the other costs - rates, water, electricity, insurance and more. Also decide if you want a home that you can just walk into., or one where you are prepared to spend some money to get what you want. Affordability is so important and is what the banks take into account.
Now Start the Search
Now you've got a clearer idea of what you want, you can start your search. Use the popular portals - Property24 or Private Property and carefully enter your criteria, then have a look at what is available. Get a general idea of what there is, then use that to home in on what you want. Having done that, hopefully you will still have a number of properties that fit your criteria.
Take note of the size of the property - if you have dogs or children, make sure there is enough room for them to play. Then check the configuration of the house - will it suit your lifestyle. many listings have floor plans or video walkthroughs to help you. Make a list of the 'possibles', prioritise them, and contact the agent(s) to arrange viewings.
Viewing the House
Before you go in, speak to the agent. Make sure the agent understands your requirements. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't like the house immediately, don't waste time looking at it, tell the agent. He/she would rather you are up front about it than wasting his or her time. As you go through the house, once again, if you decide it's not for you, tell the agent and move on.
If you like the house, if you think that this could be your new home, take your time, go through again, ask questions. Look for flaws - damp, loose tiles, poor paintwork; this will tell you whether the house has been maintained well or not. If you have the chance, speak to the current owners, ask why they bought the house, why they are selling, how much they enjoyed living there, if there are any problems. Don't be shy. make notes if anything important is said.
Once you've finished your viewing, spend time with the agent. Don't be pushed into making an offer. Perhaps go away and think about it, discuss the house with others. When you are ready to make an offer, discuss it with the agent - the terms and timing, raising of finance, any special conditions.
Now what?
Once you have made the offer, it is binding. Don't assume you can walk away if you change your mind. If you have a problem, discuss it with the agent.
If all is good, try to stay in touch with the agent and communicate with the seller if you can. The more you do, the easier the move will be.
Summary
This may be the largest and most important purchase you will ever make. Go about it carefully and try to keep emotion out of it. Take your time, be sure, then take the plunge, carefully.
If you entrust your property to us,
