First house

[jelly-baby]

I am looking to buy my first house with my partner. We've got the mortgage side sorted, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips about anything to do with house-buying?

Thanks.

[raysparx]

Don't make a decision on your first visit, it is so easy with the first house, also have a good look around the area,during the day and evening, when you are 100% sure and they accept your offer ask for it to be taken off of the market. also handy if one of your dads is pretty good at diy or you know a friendly builder to take them along on second visit,just don't jump straight in with an offer,it is a big decision. Good luck

[lady_p_gold]

I always find that when I am selling I always feel the underdog, and then when I am buying I always feel someone else will get it, so my advice is, stick to your guns, don't offer over what you think you can afford, and realise that the seller is just as desperate to get a good offer as you are to buy ! If you are a first time buyer with nothing to sell, you are in a strong position and I would leverage that against someone with something to sell, it could get you more of a bargain.

[nickmo]

Don't take any notice of the decor - doesn't matter if you don't like it, just change it if you move in - and if it is really bad, take it into ******* with the price and use it as a negotiation point.

Check central heating is in working order and the taps run when you go round to view - may save hassle and money if you get a survey and then decide there is too much to do - basic 'Does it work' while viewing is a good idea - doors closing, windows work etc .

When you do buy - change the locks on the front and back doors - the solicitor may well give you the keys - but who else has a set? Spend �50 for the sake of ensuring what you have at home stays at home - insurers will tell you that a very high number of burglaries come form 'no sign of forced entry' especially with moving home.

Don't leave empty removal boxes outside after you do move - advertises you have lots of nice things in the house and casual thiefs love the idea you have a new tv etc...

And take a 5 year old with you for viewing - kids will say if the house is nice ...or bogging.....and give an honest opinion without a guilt trip!

Good luck..

[nickmo]

Well, starred out the word 'a c c o u n t'....

[raysparx]

good tip about boxes etc nickmo.

[vehelpfulguy]

One mistake I made was buying a house that an old person lived in that only had one electric socket in each room.

Of course we were a young family with all sorts of things to plug in.

I had to go round adding new sockets in every room and that took a long time and caused lots of disruption.

So check how many sockets there are.

As others have said, do not go by first impressions.

Visit it at least twice, once in the rain if you can to see it in bad weather.

Check there is no damp, or other water coming in the house.

Are they leaving carpets and curtains, it can cost a lot to replace these if they are.

It may be worth going in WH Smith and seeing if there is a "buying your first home" book, it may have all sorts of ideas and could save you thousands.

Do not offer what they are asking, everyone adds 5,000 or 10,000 or more to the price of a house so bid low and let them drive you up.

[vehelpfulguy]

One other thing, if you are first time buyer I assume you are not selling any property. If so ,this is a benefit to you.

Many house sales involve a long chain of people buying and selling and these can often break down and cause delays (you will often see in adverts "no chain" if there is not).

The fact that you can buy and move in quickly will be an attractive selling point, so make sure the estate agent and seller know you are not part of a chain and this may make them more willing to accept your offer.

[sense4all]

If you like somewhere drive around at different times of the day and night. Pop into your local cop shop and ask them if they would live there .... be prepared for some surprise answers. Check out the local school catchment area even if you are not planning kids it buys you time( if you have an unplanned event.) and may make your house easier to sell than one a couple of roads away.