Buying a home is one of the biggest (and most exciting!) decisions you’ll ever make, but it can also feel overwhelming. As your property personal shopper, I’m here to make the journey smooth, fun, and successful! Here are my top five home-buying tips
1. Make a wish list
I always start by giving my house hunters a questionnaire about their dream home, covering:
- Location, Location, Location – Do you need to be near family, work, or good schools? Consider up-and-coming areas where you might bag a bargain compared to already established (and pricier) hotspots.
- Size – how many bedrooms do you need?
- Budget – What’s the maximum you can afford? Do you want to spend it all?
- Condition of the Property – Are you ready for a fixer-upper, or something move-in ready?
- Style – Period or new build? First Time Buyer schemes may only apply to new builds thus dictating area choices. Consider renovations, also energy efficiency and the impact on bills.
- Parking – Need parking space(s)? Off street or resident permit? State if it’s a deal breaker, some developments may not offer parking.
- Outdoor Space – Garden, balcony, or nearby park? If you have pets or kids, this might be non-negotiable.
Label each of these – deal breaker or nice to have. Separate wants from needs.
2. Compromise
Ticking every box is rare so prepare to compromise, often it’s price vs location vs space vs specification. Eg if you wanted a modernised 3 bed in a particular town around everything seems over your budget, possibly
a) Look outside your preferred area
b) If area isn’t negotiable, consider smaller properties, a 2 bed or something requiring work
c) You may find the compromise is budget
Remember: The perfect home is about balance, and sometimes the wildcard property turns out to be the one!
3. Starting your search
Once you’re ready to view homes, register with estate agents and housing providers—don’t just rely on property websites! Agents often have “off-market” listings that aren’t on the portals.
When speaking to an Agent, be as detailed as possible. Say who you are, where you work, mention your salary or confirm you have received your Agreement In Principle and remind them that you’re chain free – This shows you as a prepared, engaged and organised buyer.
4. View View View!
The more homes you see, the clearer your preferences will become. I always tell my clients to view even the “maybes” because properties often look and feel different in person. If an agent says, “We have this one, but…”—GO SEE IT! I’ve had so many clients fall in love with homes they never expected to like. And no, you’re not wasting anyone’s time! A good agent will use your feedback to refine your search.
5. Negotiations.
Negotiation is part of the process, so don’t be shy! My golden rule: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” If offering under asking price, back it up with evidence—similar sold prices, needed renovation costs etc. New builds? Developers may not budge on price, but you may be able to negotiate perks like furniture packages, mortgage contributions, or Stamp Duty help!
When making an offer, include proof of funds, mortgage approval, and even a personal letter. Decisions when buying/selling are often emotionally based, let them know why you love their home! You may make a connection somewhere!
And finally, be nice! Kindness goes a long way in making people want to work with you.
Finally, enjoy the experience! Buying your first home can be stressful and overwhelming but it’s such an exciting next chapter and a huge milestone!
Happy house hunting!
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.