IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY house-hunting then you’ve probably been pretty busy of late.
Looking for a new home, particularly if it’s your first home, is very exciting but there are definitely ups and downs involved in the process.
Here are six thoughts absolutely everyone has when they’re looking for a house, and some handy advice to help you deal with them.
No matter what age you are buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you’re likely to make in your life, so picking the right house is all important.
It’s only when you start seeing the variety of houses out there, that you realise how much choice there is – and that you have probably no idea what you want… yet.
Make sure that you go out and view lots (and lots) of houses, to get a real sense of what you want, what you’d be happy with, and what’s a deal breaker. You can learn a lot just by looking at what other’s have, and realising their kitchen is exactly what you want (or the absolute opposite).
Another important factor to consider in the house hunt is where you want to live, and what amenities you want around you. Whether you need it near public transport to get into work, or near schools for any children you have now or are planning for in the future, there are lots of things to consider beyond whether you get a three- or four-bedroom house.
Location, location, location – it’s all about location and weighing up what you want with what you can afford. Moving just a stop or two further out on your commute might mean moving closer to a more affordable dream house, for instance.
You thought the hard part would be over when you found the perfect house, didn’t you? Well, the hardest part is definitely over, but there’s still a lot more to do.
From getting mortgage approval to finding out just how many colours of paint there are (you never knew, did you?), there are still many decisions to be made before you can call your house home sweet home.
Mortgage approval can take some time to get, so it helps immensely to get all your ducks in a row in advance. Get your paperwork together (identification, bank statements, utility bills, a certificate of income from your employer and payslips, for example) and be aware that any delays can have knock on effects.
At least it can seem that way at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
Break down all the decisions that need to be made and tackle them one by one. As they say about eating elephants, just do it bite by bite.
From organising a structural survey of your new house to booking the moving van and everything in between, it can often seem like there’s a neverending list of things to do. But a little planning can go a long way – whether that’s simply writing everything down in a list, or using some more fancier planning technology, there’s no satisfaction quite like striking through a completed task.
You nearly gave up hope there for a minute, but now it’s all coming together – you’ve found the house of your dreams, you’ve got the mortgage sorted and you’re picking paint colours in your mind.
You’re pretty much there.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel at long (long) last. Now you’ve a need for a whole new list – if there are any home improvements, repainting or furniture buying that needs to be done. Fun.
Ah, the sweet relief of finally signing on the dotted line and getting the keys into your hot little hands. And now all that’s left is to hire the mover and move yourself in. No bother at all.
Good luck.
The Mortgage Lounge from KBC is an event not to be missed – an evening dedicated to helping you find the right mortgage and home. To be held in Dublin’s Mansion House on Dawson Street between 6 and 8pm on 10 March. For more information or to register visit www.kbc.ie/mortgagelounge. For more information on first time buyers’ mortgages, click here.
Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Security and insurance are required. KBC Bank Ireland plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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