“If you are prepared to spend £500,000 on a house, it doesn't make sense to reject the perfect place because a £500 sofa won't fit under the window...
”
resulting in many hours attending Open Viewings and booking other scheduled viewings waiting for that spark and right feel when one walks through the door.
You probably know how many bedrooms you need, and whether or not you want a flat or a house, but have you thought about it in more detail? Do you like period features or modern sleek lines? Vegetable plot or garden? Balcony or patio? Large eat in kitchen or something cosier? Do you and your partner have the same priorities?
Make a tick list of your requirements and compare them against online details. Floor plans help you see how a house flows or where you can make changes to the layout. Take a look at
www.gaudin.je to see great examples of floor plans and how they can help your research.
(BV) - But be realistic… There are few properties that will provide everything that you have on your tick list. You may have to compromise on the decorative condition or style to find a property of the right size in the perfect location. Kitchens and bathrooms can be
replaced in time, walls are easily painted to suit your taste, and replacing 20 year old curtains can instantly bring a tired room up to date. Try to imagine your own furniture in someone else's home - it might not be someone else's home for much longer.
If you are prepared to spend £500,000 on a house, it doesn't make sense to reject the perfect place because a £500 sofa won't fit under the window, or there isn't an obvious space for the fridge- freezer you bought last year. If you have found the house you want to live in for the next 10, 20 or 30 years, don't base your decision on your current furniture and how it looks where you live now.
(BV) - Start the process Once you have found the property which
is (or can be) exactly where you want to live, and a price has been agreed, what do you do next? If you have already chosen a lawyer, call them and give them all the details of your transaction - the more information the better. If you haven't yet appointed a lawyer, get some fee quotes and choose a firm that offers good value and a thorough and friendly service. The cheapest quote often isn't always the best option.
Make another appointment with your bank or
mortgage advisor to submit a formal application. All lenders will require a valuation, and you may prefer a full survey, all of which takes a little time. Go to the Social Security Department to get your new Registration Card showing your residential status - you can't complete without one!
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions - the whole legal process of purchasing property can be confusing and stressful. All the professionals you will meet during the process have been through this many times before so are well placed to answer any queries that come up, and a good lawyer will help you through each stage from start to finish.
(BV) - More haste, less speed Finally, be realistic about what can be achieved. From having your offer accepted to passing contract in the Royal Court takes approximately four to six weeks, so balance your dream of inviting the family around for a house warming party in your new home with the possible reality of everything is packed but your loan isn't approved!
(JH) - Any final thoughts?
(BV) - Yes, Happy house hunting!
20/20 Habitat - The Home
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