What should you know before buying a home?

Buying a first home, or any home, is a massive step in anyone’s life. The time, money and emotion that go into the process of finding and moving in that dream property are monumental. As agents, we want to make the whole experience as easy as possible so we want to make sure that you’re informed through the whole journey.

Over 2,600 active home buyers were interviewed, by Zoopla, to determine the things that they wished the had known before buying a home and we have put together a summary of the things homebuyers which they had known more about beforehand.

The Emotional toll

On average property transactions take 14 weeks to complete (and that’s when there is not a delay on conveyancing and solicitors due to the rush before the end of the stamp duty holiday) and that is a long time to be sat on the edge of your seat and knowing at your fingernails.

This is especially when a chain is involved and your sale is dependent on other people actions, a lot of the anxiety is caused through lack of communication and the unknown. Up to 18% of buyers said that they nearly lost a home as a result of being in a chain. Definitely research your solicitors beforehand to ensure they will keep you updated, without feeling like you are having to constantly chase them.

One third of buyers build a personal relationship with the vendor of a property to attempt to nullify the risks of it falling through. However, sometimes its important not to invest your emotions fully until exchange so you aren’t completely crestfallen if it doesn’t complete. We’re always here to listen to your worries and help you in any way we might be able to.

The financial costs

Do you research, compare quotes and then add more on as contingency! Always be prepared to probably pay more than you originally planned for. Over 39% of home buyers ended up paying for more than they had budgeted for, with 15% of those paying over £1,500 what they had imagined.

What the neighbours had to say

Of the participants, over 16% expressed a regret in not speaking to neighbours next door or in the street. Locals can give you a great idea on their own experiences of schools, transport links and what the area is really like. Why not try searching for blogs and articles written by locals about the area too to give you a better idea, or try talking to the local estate agents?

Looked at broadband speeds

Currently, and probably going forward into the future, many of us will be working from home a lot more. And, lets be honest, no one wants to have to wait for their Netflix to slowly load! Broadband speeds really vary in different towns, regions and areas with 15% of the respondents in Zoopla’s research wishing they had investigated their local broadband speed beforehand.

Checked mobile phone signal

Often people who live in big cities often forget that we don’t have mobile coverage everywhere in the UK and this can be a shock for when you move somewhere a bit more rural. Some mobile companies have better service in some areas than others, so it is definitely worth checking this out and checking your current contract to see if you can change if you need to change.

Hopefully these points can help prepare you more before you buy a new home, so you dont have any nasty suprises when you finally get there.

Here at Sarah Clark Property Consultants we have helped many people find their new homes in and around Bristol, so we know the area we know the people. Reach out to us if you have any questions on your new house move!