Date Published 05 May 2021
Things to Consider Before You Start Searching for Your Dream Home
With the property market booming like never before and ‘For Sale' signs popping up outside properties at an incredibly fast rate, it's normal to start panicking that you'll miss out on your new home before the search has even properly begun.
Despite this, it's important to make sure that you don't just settle for a property that you are not completely in love with. Try and ignore the pressure of high viewer numbers and a losing quick sale to someone else.
Here, we've put together our top tips to make sure you've considered all angles when it comes to securing your dream new home.
Why are you choosing to move?
The last year or so of the pandemic has resulted in so many of us spending the majority of our time at home, and this has understandably made people look at their properties in a new light. Before you begin searching for a new place to call home, it's important that you consider exactly why you're choosing to move.
By listing out the main reasons you'd like to find a new house or flat, you'll reduce the chances of having to compromise on what you really want.
Has lockdown shown how much you'd value a larger outdoor space for example? If so, it's important that you're viewing properties that have a good sized garden, or a bigger driveway.
Do you need extra storage space, or an additional bedroom to what you currently own? Are you in desperate need of a bigger bathroom, or downstairs bathroom/utility room?
Making a bullet pointed list of your exact requirements will mean you're not wasting your time viewing properties that ultimately aren't right for you or your family. Plus, you'll hopefully find the perfect place sooner rather than later once you know exactly what you want!
Is it your forever home or a stepping stone?
Along the same lines as a requirements list, focusing on whether you're searching for your 'forever home' or are just looking for the next step along the property ladder will help massively when trying to find a property. If you're simply looking to move somewhere smaller or larger for the next few years only, you can think about compromising on certain elements.
However, if you're on the hunt for your dream home and see yourselves living there for many years, the stakes are a little higher and you'll probably give yourself more time to find 'the one'.
When do you want to move and are you trying to sell?
It's always helpful to have a timescale in mind when purchasing a property, even if you don't stick to it on a month by month basis. Having a rough date - e.g. you'd like to be in your new home before next Christmas - can be helpful to any estate agent who's helping you on your search.
If you're already on the property ladder, then it's likely that you'll be in a property chain when you try to find your next home. You need to take a practical look at your existing home as soon as possible, and highlight any issues or problems that may arise when it goes on the market too.
If you already have a party interested in your home when putting in offers on other properties, it will make any negotiations a lot smoother and count in your favour.
What's your budget?
Deciding a rough budget is often dependent on a chat with a mortgage adviser. So if your personal circumstances have changed since you took out your current mortgage, it's worth getting some professional, financial advice sooner rather than later.
Here at Marshall Property, our in-house mortgage specialists are on hand to offer honest, professional advice and guidance that you can trust. Get in touch if you'd like to know more.
What do you need locally?
Whether you're thinking of moving to a new area of the city or not too far from your current home, make sure you've got all the local amenities you and your family need close by.
Checking out the local schools, restaurants, cafes and green spaces can give you a real feel for the area, and it pays to know exactly what you've got on your doorstep.
It's also handy to know in future if you do ever come to sell your new place, as properties in sought-after areas will always be a hit with buyers.
Marshall Property are here to help
If you'd like to start the search for your dream home, the team at Marshall Property can help.
Simply get in touch today to speak to one of our friendly estate agents - as one of the leading independent estate agents in Liverpool, we're confident that we can find the perfect property for you. We can also offer you a FREE online property valuation - learn more here.
