How to look for a new house..
January is coming, and with it the annual burst in new homes coming to market, as people make ready for a New Year, New home. If you’re considering moving to a NEW HOME in 2023, now is a great time to start looking. December is traditionally a quiet month in house sales, so you can take a little time to see what’s already out there and get a feel for what you might want.
Here are our top tips for how to find a new home
1. Know what you want
This might seem obvious, but we have seen many people book visits to the kind of houses they believe they want, and then realise that this isn’t what will make them happy. Have a think not just about the number of bedrooms, or size of garden, but what type of home will suit your personality. Do you prefer a new build or existing home? Period or contemporary? Do you really want a do-er upper, or just think you do?
2.Figure out where you want to live
Our usual starting point is commuting distance, but this can be quite broad geographically. What else is important to you? Public transport? Good schools? Village or suburb or city centre? Before you arrange to view homes, take some time to visit the neighbourhoods you’re considering and spend a little time there – visit the shops and cafes, have dinner, look up bus routes, talk to people. And take advantage of the local estate agents – they know the area really well and can be extremely helpful!
3. Be realistic about immediate need versus future need
Your future plans should influence the type of home you’ll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or your forever home, or your final home?
4. Be open-minded, but take care
It’s OK to be choosy about the home and neighbourhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on through-streets that are just as quiet and secluded, for example.
On the flip side, don’t be so swayed by a wow feature you forget about other issues, such as noise levels, that might impact your quality of life. A fabulous kitchen with bifold doors to the garden is all very well, but if you can’t open them because of the noise of passing traffic, disappointment lies ahead.
5. Imagine potential home renovations
Want a four bedroom but only have a budget for three? Tell your estate agent you’re keen on looking at homes with space to extend, at a later date, or reconfigure. A house is what it is – but is also what it can be.
6. Envision your life in each house you view
Use your imagination to picture life in every property you visit. This will help you set priorities — and figure out what you don’t want. A home office might add more value to your life than a big kitchen. Two small sitting rooms might look cute, but if you like to invite people round, is that convenient? A big garden is great for the kids – but will you really (truly) want to commit the times it needs to stay on top of it all? Be realistic about who you are, what you really need (not what your fantasy Insta-life might look like) and how your home will help you achieve it.
7. Take the time to explain to each estate agent you register with exactly what you want – and when you view a home and decide it’s not for you, explain why. This way, your estate agent will know not to waste your time sending property details of homes that simply won’t do. We don’t just sell houses, we help people find their perfect next home.
Eddie – Friday 16th December – (Picture used from Newton Avenue, West Didsbury).
