Buying your first home can be the most exciting next step you can take. It can also be quite nerve wrecking as you enter this next chapter. We are here to make the process as fun and as smooth as possible for you.
We have curated our top tips for you, as a first-time buyer, that will ensure a stress-free purchase journey:
1. Submit your mortgage application early
By submitting your mortgage application early, you are simply ahead of the game. It can take a little while to receive your mortgage in principle, especially in today’s climate. Receiving your valuation from a potential lender will also help to guide you in choosing the property that is within your budget and narrow down your search.
2. Don’t forget about the fees
We all know that moving house can be expensive, therefore we want to help you save money and ensure that there are no unexpected or unexplained costs that surprise you. We recommend that you do your research into solicitor’s fees, search fees, estate agent fees and even movers to leave no cost uncovered for.
3. Always arrange a viewing
This kind of goes without saying and can be one of the most exciting parts of buying your first home. We recommend viewing a range of homes from the top to the bottom end of your budget. This will give you a great idea of how the current market is performing and help you narrow down your search and just exactly what you would like from your first property.
4. Maximise your deposit
To help to keep your mortgage rate down, meaning lower monthly payments, the bigger the deposit the better! This may mean saving for a little longer, which we know will be difficult as you are eager to get moving. However, we think it’s worth it and is a great investment in your future.
5. Improve your credit score
The last tip we have for you will come in useful when applying for your mortgage. With a better credit score comes a better chance of being approved for your mortgage as well as potential lower interest rates.
We hope that you have found these tips useful, whether you are beginning your journey towards your first home or simply interested in buying in the future. We have a team of friendly faces in our offices and waiting by the telephones to answer any questions and provide further insight into the buying process for you.
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team regarding a property you are interested in or to find out more about the process of buying a home, then feel free to pop into one of our offices or give us a call on 0191 20 90 100