Congratulations! You’ve decided to purchase a ‘forever’ home. You want to find a property that takes your breath away from first glance and beyond. The thing is, you know that this is going to be a significant investment, and that requires careful planning and consideration. So, we’ve pulled together our top tips to ensure you have a smooth and stress-free experience.
First Things First, Market Your Property
Before viewing potential new homes, try to sell your existing property. Ideally, it would help if you had an offer before you start looking so that you’re in a good position to make a move on your dream home as soon as it becomes available. If you’re not prepared, someone else may make an offer before you have chance; you’d feel terrible if you love the property but someone pips you to the post. It’s worth spending some time getting your finances in order and your existing property sold before you start looking for that new home.
Research Your Housing Developer’s Reputation
When buying a new home, it’s essential to research the reputation of the housing developer. Look for reviews from previous customers, as this can indicate the quality of their craft and customer service. If there are consistent bad reviews, it’s a red flag, and you may want to avoid that developer. On the other hand, if their customers give glowing testimonials about their professionalism and high standards, it’s a good sign that you can trust them to deliver on their promises. They should also be able to share their portfolio of work, just like we do on our website.
Choose The Right Agent
Choosing the right estate agent is crucial to experiencing a stress-free house purchase. Find someone who is knowledgeable, experienced and trustworthy. Speak to two or three agents and ask for references. Check their track record and ensure that they’re well-organised and responsive. You’ll be working closely with your agent, so choose someone who you can get along with.
Choose the Right Solicitor
Picking the right solicitor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying a new home. The success of your sale depends on their organisation and efficiency, as they’ll handle all the paperwork ensuring everything is in order. Look for a small local firm with an excellent reputation and that all-important personal touch. Online conveyancing companies often lack the attention to detail needed for a property purchase, so it’s worth keeping this in mind.
Be Involved in the Process
Stay involved in the process, and regularly chase your solicitor and estate agent for updates. Don’t feel embarrassed or like you’re imposing. They expect it and sometimes need to be prompted. They’re busy professionals and usually look after multiple clients. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification if you’re unsure about something. It’s your big investment, so understandably, you’ll want to be proactive.
Is Your House in Order?
It’s worth visiting your new home several times before completion to ensure everything’s in order. If you’re buying a brand-new development, consider giving your developer a snagging list early on so they can sort out any issues before the big move. A good developer, like Towngate, will continue to help after you move in, but there’s no legal requirement to do so. So, getting any work completed before you take possession of your dream home is essential.
This blog has helped prepare you for purchasing that forever home. From selling your existing property to researching the reputation of a housing developer, there are things you can do to ultimately make the purchase of your dream home a stress-free experience.