People say that moving to a new house is one of the most stressful life events. It’s a complicated process involving strong emotions – it’s a home, after all – and what may be the biggest financial investment of your life. Even if the process appears to be going smoothly, it only takes one mishap to kill the deal. Your financing could fall through at the last minute or another buyer could come in with a higher offer.
We have done extensive research to bring you the best tips on how to reduce stress and worry during the process of buying your home.
Prepare and make sure you’re ready
In the excitement of purchasing your home, preparation is key. Making sure you are ready and doing the research before you start the process can make a huge difference.
Break down the steps you have to do, and it’ll help you manage the whole process better. Work out how much deposit you can afford, apply for a mortgage in principle, find the property of your dreams and make an offer, then apply for a mortgage, find a licensed surveyor, get a property survey, exchange and move it!
Stay organised and keep all the documents in one place
Buying a property comes with a big list of important documents you will need. Keeping them organised and accessible will come in handy when you need to find something quick. It’ll also help you understand the stage in the process you are at, making it easier when it comes to decision making.
Be kind to yourself and take time away from the process when needed
The process of buying a house can leave you feeling burnt out, especially when things are starting to get on top of each other. When you start feeling that way, step away and make time for yourself and the things you enjoy doing.
Having an understanding family can be very helpful too, so don’t be afraid to ask them for support, advice, or a little distraction from everything.
And remember, buying a property is a big deal, so don’t be hard on yourself.
Know what you want, but be realistic
When buying a property, prepare a checklist of the things you want, from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to the distance to school and noise level in the area. All of it is important. But remember, you will never find a perfect property unless you want to build one yourself, so be flexible. Prioritise your wants and determine which features you can live without. Decide what’s most important to you and your family and be reasonable with your requirements
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Getting a mortgage in principle before you start looking at properties can save you a lot of headaches. You might think that getting a mortgage will be easy, but lenders might think otherwise. Plus, some sellers and agents choose – wisely – to work only with buyers who have been pre-approved by a mortgage lender.
That’s why it is good to get your finances in order before you check if you are financially eligible Build your credit score by paying off your loans and credit card debts; it will increase your favourability to banks and helps you qualify for the best possible interest rate.
Listen to your estate agent
We all think that we know everything, but when it comes to buying a property, listen to your agent, chances are that your estate agent knows a lot more than you. If, for example, your estate agent recommends adding contingencies to an offer, such as a requirement that the seller makes a certain change, or that the house meets a satisfactory home inspection, take the advice as it will save you a lot of money and stress. Rather than fight your agent, trust that they know the industry and they don’t get paid until a sale closes, so they have no reason to sabotage a deal.
Getting cold feet during the process is normal
Are the north-facing windows you thought were beautiful, now making you doubt if you’re plants will survive? Or are you getting worried, that the size of the kitchen you thought was perfect, might now be too small?
It’s normal to get cold feet, after all, you are spending a lot of money on the property you will hopefully spend many years in. When this happens, sit down and remember why you fell in love with the property in the first place.
Write a list of companies to contact
Once you get your moving date, it’s good to make a list of everyone you need to contact:
- Find a removal company, or if you decide to move everything on your own, look into renting a van and get some family and friends to help out
- Contact your utility suppliers, including electricity, gas, phone, broadband etc.
- Contact your bank and other financial companies, insurance companies, the council/electoral roll, TV Licensing and the DVLA
- Redirect your post via the Post Office
- Contact the seller and ask for instructions as to where to find things in the house (e.g. gas and electricity meters, fuse box and thermostat)
And don’t forget to have a good clear out before you start packing. And when you are packing, label those boxes clearly and remember to pack your moving day essentials separately– the kettle is more important than those cute ornaments you got on your last holiday!
If you are currently looking for a place to call home, have a look at our amazing properties available through Shared Ownership, making them more affordable!