5 Things to Know Before Buying Your First House

You may choose a house in the countryside or an elegant loft in a city location.

There are various factors to keep in mind when looking for your dream property. Perhaps you have fallen in love with an old-style apartment with flair.

But what condition is the apartment in, and what renovation and customization work can you expect?

There are many questions related to buying a house or apartment, especially if you’re doing it the first time. Here’s what you should know before buying your first house or apartment.

1. Drive Around

Many happy homeowners have discovered their house while walking or driving past and then talked to the neighborhood.

\Get in the car and go around and see where it can be nice, apart from your own area. 

Also, order a catalog for foreclosures and scour regional and local newspapers (including the free ones) for advertisements.

Many houses have been family-owned for decades, and these people are “afraid” of city dwellers.

Besides, they don’t list them online.

2. Compare Loans

Many banks lure you with loans, but you don’t always get the best deal from your house bank.

Often it makes sense to look for a bank near the house, as they have to evaluate the property for the loan.

3. Loosen Up as Much Equity as Possible

Scrape together all the piggy banks, building society contracts and reserves what you have.

Sometimes, you can get an interest-free loan from your relatives.

If you have parents, grandparents, or a generous aunt whom you can ask, you should definitely do it.

 

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4. The More Personal Contribution, the Better!

There are many craftsmen and housebuilders in the city and friends that might help you.

Friends and family can help you clean the house, removed the wallpaper, and did most of the electrical work themselves. You can also sand, repaint, or oil the doors and floorboards yourselves.

If you’re not much into it, hiring local moving companies will also save you money.

Does the room layout correspond to your ideas, or is it possible to convert it?

In what condition are the windows, the building services, and the interior fittings.

It’s best to consult a building surveyor as an independent appraiser. This checks the building fabric and can assess whether there is a need for investment.

5. Consult Experts in that Field 

Before signing the purchase agreement, ask two experts to look at the house: a local architect and an expert in renovations. It would be best if both of them say that the home good enough.

Why ask them?

• It gives you security in the purchase decision
• Thanks to the expert opinion, you can negotiate the price again. 

So it’s best to take the expert with you to the first or second inspection.

By the way, we suggest you visit the house five times before you buy it. During the first inspection, focus on the essentials, e.g., water damage or the building structure.

What to Know Before Buying a New House: Bonus Checklist

When visiting a property, it is advisable to draw up a checklist in advance.

Here are some essential points to watch out for when visiting:

• Check overall condition
• Check the condition of the roof, windows, insulation, electrics, and heating
• Pay attention to damp spots and mold growth
• Check the property’s energy certificate
• Does the room layout match your expectations?
• Are all necessary connections, sockets, and fuses available?
• What customization work is required?
• Which renovation measures were carried out and when?
• Are there building permits for all renovations?
• Are there any requirements (monument protection) for any modifications?
• For an apartment: Which maintenance measures have already been decided?
• How is the internet connection?
• What is the location of the property?
• Does the infrastructure meet your expectations?
• How is the transport connection?

Hopefully, the provided information and checklists for buying a home will help you keep track of things with moving companies.