It’s most people’s dream to own a house of their own – and this is perfectly normal; in a way, it’s about proving that you’re able to make your own mark and claim your own. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy – in fact, with the economic situation as it is nowadays and with the various mortgages that are available on the market, it can be hard to figure out what is best for you. Luckily, there is a lot of help out there, and things needn’t be that complicated; it’s just a matter of thinking things through and figuring out which is most beneficial for you and your (present or future) family. Here is the top advice on choosing the best home for your needs and budget.
Check out the area first
The house may look perfect (a place where you can make the perfect home), but the neighbourhood may not be. It’s not just about looking around for where the nearest shop is, or how the traffic situation is during certain times of the day. It’s also about uncovering the negative issues. What’s the crime rate like (the police should be helpful in this regard), and are there any safety issues at night? Do the neighbours like to make too much noise at night, or is there a 24-hour shop nearby that has a less-than-favourable reputation? Make sure to visit the area at different times of the day.
Consider many options
Don’t just visit one house – visit as many as you can. This will allow you to get a sense of what you really like, but equally important, it will help you get a sense of what the fair value of the various houses are worth. Furthermore, the more houses you visit, the more options you have and hence, the more bargaining power you have once you decide to make a deal.
Notice what’s wrong
Check what’s wrong with the house – you need to see the bad side too. Take notes. Get photos.
One last piece of advice – and perhaps the most important one: beware of sales tactics and don’t be fooled by the jargon. For example, if someone tries to tell you they know about a ‘cosy’ house, it usually means ‘small,’ and when they say ‘it’s ready to be modified,’ they usually mean ‘it needs a lot of renovation.’ And don’t be fooled by common tactics. A salesman or woman may try to convince you that the time to act is now because there is a young couple willing to pay the full price immediately. Unless you’re sure you want the property, make your own offer and leave. The decision is too important to be handled quickly. Be methodical and be wise, as a financial advisor Bristol specialising in mortgages will tell you – and good luck with your house hunting.
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