Searching for a Property – Online, Estate Agents & Developers
Searching for a property can be one of the most exciting yet overwhelming times in your life, with numerous different estate agents, auctions, online websites and new property developments, where do you start? Well, firstly, before you even start the search for a property, you’ll need to establish exactly what you’re looking for, as it is easy to get carried away once you start to look. Have a specific criteria in mind, such as three bedrooms, a garage and a large garden, alongside your maximum budget.
One of the best ways to start your search is online, with many different websites allowing you to browse through what is available with the estate agents in the area you are looking. This is a great way to get an idea of what is available with your budget, as well as seeing what areas are less/more expensive than others.
If you have a local estate agent that has come recommended to you, or you have seen a couple of properties that you like with this estate agent, then pay them a visit. Have a chat with them and discuss exactly what it is you are looking for and what your maximum offer is. You can also do your own homework on properties that you are interested in buying by looking at online websites that will show how much the homes have sold for on that particular road.
Choosing an Estate Agent
If you are unsure as to which estate agent to choose then have a look to see which ones are part of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). This will give you peace of mind that they are a reputable estate agent.
Leave your details with one, two or several of the estate agents in your area, detailing exactly where it is that you’d like to live and what kind of timescale you are hoping to work to. That way, they can get in contact with you as soon as a property becomes available that may be of interest to you.
Alternative House Hunting Methods
If you’re wanting to look at different ways of buying a property, there are several different options available to you.
Firstly, there are property auctions, these are ideal if you’re looking for a home that will need some redeveloping, as properties included in auctions are often rundown and in need of a lot of attention. Equally, you may be able to secure a property for a much lower price through auctions; some properties will have been included in the auction to try and secure a quicker sale, so you may get yourself a bargain!
Speak to a local developer or builder as you will probably find that there are new estates being constructed around your area all the time. By purchasing a home from one of these developers, you are getting a brand new home that will provide a blank canvas for you to design to your taste.
However, when it comes to buying one of these properties you may find that you are taken around a show home and then offered the chance to buy a home based on some architect’s plans as your home hasn’t even been built yet. If this is the case, it will need careful consideration; consider its location, what the windows will be looking out on and always look round the show home.
Delays can also occur with these types of properties as things may get held up in the building process, so the move in date you are initially given could be subject to change. However, a lot of property developers are now offering buyers the chance to part-exchange their home, as well as paying legal fees and giving you curtains, carpets and other essentials in your new home.
You could also consider buying from a property’s current owner. Some people look to sell their home without the charges that will come along with using an estate agent. Always take care if you are considering buying a property in this way as the home owners may have overpriced the property. Check online for prices of homes that are in the same area and are of a similar size to the one you are looking at, and also check to see how much they paid for it and when.
Energy Performance Certificates
When you are looking at a property, you should always check what their energy performance is like. This will enable you to see just how energy-efficient the home is, allowing you to assess how much money it will cost you to live in the property after you have bought it.
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