First Time Buyer Tips

When buying your first home it's important that you get the right advice so costly mistakes are not made at this cross roads in your life. To help you with the decision making process we have the following tips for you:

• Be realistic as to what you can afford. Your new home may need furnishing and some properties may need work carrying out such as re-wiring or roof repairs.
• Obtain quotes for solicitors servives, and don’t forget stamp duty. Using a solicitor thato understands the local area can make the process smoother.
• Remember that utilities all have a cos,t as do unforseen repaurs such as to a faulty boiler. You’ll need to budget for these.
• Check the council tax band for the house you are interested in. The estate agent should be able to provide you with this information.
• Check public transport costs and availability, as well as making provision for any car insurance increases if you’re moving an area with a different postcode or have had your car insured in your parents’ name.
• A property close to your workplace may be worth considering. Commuting can be a substantial cost and can add stress.
• When viewing properties you could take someone with you who has been through the process before and may notice things about the property or area you may have overlooked. This could be your parents or a home owning friend.
• Homes in the catchment areas of good schools will always be much easier to sell on.
• Make note of any local amenities that are important to you, such as doctors, shops, pubs, sports centres and parks. Make sure you are familiar with the neighbourhood before committing to your purchase.
• Make sure you can get good quality broadband/internet connection at the property if this is important to you.
• You could consider buying a home with other family members, friends or a partner. This could be a solution to finding the deposit and sharing costs. Do consider what might happen if circumstances change and one of you wants to sell their share of the property. You should consider speaking to a solicitor to draw up an agreement as to how property will be divided in case of death, or if one of you decides to give up their share in the property.
• Know where you stand with those involved in the house buying process such the seller, estate agent or solicitor. Most purchases go through without a problem, but if not,  find out how to deal with many of the common problems from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Register for the Electoral Role when your purchase has completed and remember to change your address with your bank and other financial companies that you have arrangements with, as well as your employer. Putting mail redirection on your old address to cover the transition period is a great idea and can be done easily via the Post Office. This can also reduce your risk of identity fraud.

Help and Advice for First Time Buyers

As experts in providing advice to first time buyers, let us make the process simpler for you. Get in touch now to arrange a free consultation and find out how we can help.