Don’t Ignore These Essential House Hunting Tips
According to a report released by the HMRC early last year, the UK housing market remained robust during 2020 despite the pandemic, recording 1,047,490 home sales. And in Ireland according to EY.com, ‘In the twelve months to November 2020, there were a total of 35,542 residential property transactions across the State, a drop of 21.1% compared to the previous year.’
If you are considering buying a home, house hunting is undoubtedly one of the essential things you will have to do to find the right one. The process is unique for everyone, but there are standard things you should consider while on your home search to ensure that you find a great house. Below are some essential house hunting tips that must not be ignored.
House Hunting Tips No. 1 – The Age, Style and Condition of Appliances
There is no denying that appliances are a critical part of any home because they make it more habitable. These appliances are also expensive to replace, so it is prudent to correctly estimate the age and condition of each appliance before deciding whether to include them in the cost of the house you are considering buying.
If you purchase one of several display homes from a reputable builder, appliances’ age and condition should not be too much of a concern. This is because builders include premium fixtures and fittings in these homes to showcase the best of what they can provide their patrons. As such, the appliances in such homes will mostly be new and in top condition. On the other hand, be more thorough with appliances when purchasing an older home, keeping in mind that the average lifespan of major home appliances is about 10 to 15 years.
Further Reading: How To Keep Your Kitchen Appliances Running Longer
House Hunting Tips No. 2 – The Location
Location is also a prime factor to consider when house hunting, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or purchasing your third property. This is because you can put up with nearly all imperfections in a home if you like the neighbourhood and neighbours. Additionally, you can change almost everything you don’t like about your home except its location.
Therefore, thoroughly scrutinise any potential home’s location to see if it can be easily accessed and close to your workplace. Additionally, consider the neighbourhood’s charm, traffic situation, access to amenities and facilities, and quality of nearby schools if you have children. Safety should also be a prime concern for you, so it is best to avoid neighbourhoods with a high crime rate.
House Hunting Tips No. 3 – Potential for Future Projects
Many experts agree that every home would require some customisation down the line. Indeed, it is rare to find a house with the best features you would ever need in your life. Consequently, consider the customisation potential of any home that catches your eye before buying it. This way, you can ensure that the house you buy can accommodate your preferences in the future.
Further Reading: Home Improvements 2022 – Four Simple Steps to Get Started
House Hunting Tips No. 4 – The Seller’s Incentive to Sell
You will undoubtedly find more motivated sellers than others when house hunting. Some sellers will put their property on the market without really caring whether it sells because they are content with living there and happy to try again later if they fail to get the price they want. There is typically very little room for price negotiations in such situations.
At other times, you may find highly motivated sellers – for example those seeking to move out of the county or country to relocate for a job. Your real estate agent can help you determine how motivated your seller is, so you can draft offers and counteroffers to acquire your preferred home at a great price.
Photos by Mike Gattorna – CCO Licence
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