Through hard work and managing your budget, you have done what other young people of your generation have not: you have saved up enough to buy a home. Now that you are ready to leave behind the life of a renter, how should you proceed? Find out below.
Hire a Real Estate Agent
A house is a huge investment and that is exactly why you need an expert to help you out. There is no one who knows the local housing market better than a professional estate agent.
Although you will decide the amount you would offer a seller, an estate agent can give you an estimate of how much a house in a certain area costs. Moreover, an estate agent will have access to home listings so you will have the best possible options. You can find a list of estate agents in South West London online.
When choosing an estate agent to represent you, do not hire the first one you. You want someone who has your best interest at heart, so you should interview several and find one that you will be comfortable partnering with. Ask them how long they have been in business and what their strategy will be to find you your dream home. You should also request that they provide references, especially agents who have not been in the industry for long.
Looking for a home that is suitable for your needs and budget will be very difficult. It is good to have someone to help you out throughout the entire process.
Know What You Want
Before you begin the hunt, make a list of all the things you want your dream home to have. Go beyond just how many rooms and bathrooms you need. Of course, it should not be too far from your work and you would want to live in a quiet neighbourhood. Jot down other details such as square footage and amenities to help your estate agent narrow down the options.
Check Houses in the Area to Get an Idea of Pricing
Look around for similar homes in the area so you can have an idea how much the property you are eyeing would cost. You can check out online estate listings or websites that provide estimated cost of properties in an area. This will inform your starting offer for when you are ready to make the purchase.
Do a Thorough Home Inspection
Hire a home inspector before you move in. A home inspector will provide you with everything you need to know about the property, including potential issues that may cost you more to repair down the line.
A home inspector will also act as an unbiased third party who can evaluate whether the property is a good investment or not. Some buyers use the evaluation of a home inspector to either negotiate with the seller to lower the price of the home or request for repairs.
Likely, looking for your dream home will take weeks if not months. You will have to look at several open houses and speak to a lot of people before you are ready to make a decision. The best advice, however, when making a huge investment such as buying a house, is to do your research. Ask a lot of questions and be thorough.
