So, You Want to Buy a House? These Tips Can Help Get You Started
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Owning property is a lifelong goal for a lot of people, and for good reasons. So, how can you reach your goals and buy a home?

Buying often works out cheaper than renting a home, and at the end of the day, you do end up with a house. This provides some extra security for your family as you have a physical asset, and your children can even inherit your home later down the line. But you also have more freedom and control over your property than a rental.

Getting a Mortgage

It’s a simple fact that, if you’re going to want to buy a house, you’re going to need money. Most people do get a mortgage when they’re purchasing a home because it’s quite hard to have a few hundred thousand dollars on hand when you need to buy a house. However, cash purchases do have their benefits if you can afford it.

When applying for a mortgage, the broker will factor in your income, your credit score, your career, and other factors like your savings and the amount you put into a depost. Most of the time, you will probably need at least a 5% deposit, but most lenders prefer a 10-20% deposit. 

As you’re saving for a deposit, it’s worth considering a first-time homebuyer grant or scheme, as this allows you to save money and put in more money. 

Even if you can get a large mortgage, make sure to factor in how much it will cost to pay back over time and, if possible, try to pay it back as quickly as you can.

Finding the Right Home

When you’re looking for a future home, you should get trusted property experts involved so they can help you find the right property for your family. Think about location and nearby amenities, as well as the size and features of the home, and balance that with your budget.

You can get a pre-approved mortgage, which will give you an idea of what your top budget is. Rather than just getting the first property that looks like it fits the bill, spend some time shopping around before you buy. If possible, see your property in person so that you can see any potential problems or, in some cases, some extra potential. 

A property surveyor can then make sure that the house you want doesn’t have any major issues that will cost a lot of money to fix in the future.

Buying and Moving

Once you’ve found the perfect property, you can bite the bullet and buy it. Use a property solicitor to help with the paperwork and come up with a moving day that suits everyone.

You can also use moving professionals to get your belongings from your current home to your new house. This means that nothing is damaged, and you get it done as quickly as possible, allowing you to finally settle in and get comfortable with your new life.