Moving Home Mortgage Advice in York
First Time Buyers in York like yourself may find the process of stepping into the mortgage world a bit daunting. If you have zero experience or knowledge of what to do, we put together this handy guide to help you out when you’re next viewing a property. Below are 9 questions to ask yourself when looking to buy a house in York to make sure you make the most of your home buying experience.
Home Buying Questions You Should Ask:
1. How much interest has there been in the property/development?
If you can find out what level of interest the property is generating, you’ll be able to get a better gauge of how long you have to make a final decision.
It’s always best to be prepared to react quickly, especially if the property is getting a lot of interest, you need to have a final answer pretty soon.
2. Is there a property chain involved?
A property chain can happen when there are a number of transactions occurring at the same time for every sale and purchase to be completed.
If the property is a part of a chain, this will have a significant impact on your buying experience. For example, if there’s no onward chain, it’s likely the homebuying process will move more swiftly.
If you’re in a position whereby you don’t need to sell your property, then you’ll have much more leverage as a buyer. Because you won’t hold up the buying process and this is appealing to sellers.
3. What’s included in the sale of your home?
You might find the previous owner has left some items behind. This can be great news for buyers. These items include electronic goods like fridges, washing machines, freezers or things like sheds.
We tend to find that this doesn’t apply to new build properties as they come as standard or agreed upon prior to being built and the additional items you buy can be fitted and ready on moving in day.
This can save the buyer can save time and money, however, can be an issue for those who don’t want these items as you will have to find a way to dispose of them.
4. What are the neighbours like around your property area?
Having great neighbours can make an average property a great place to call home. If you are looking into an area in which you have no knowledge or experience it’s worth asking people around for their point of view. If you move into a new build, then you and your neighbours will be the ones building a nicer community.
5. How much does it cost to run?
Running costs vary on the property and the location which is why it’s useful to do your research and ask the right questions. You should be looking into things like how much the Council Tax, utilities or asking the seller. By knowing these factors, you can help budget for each property.
6. Which direction does the building face?
If you enjoy basking in natural light, the direction the house faces can make a big difference. You’ll often pay a premium for a south-facing garden as they receive the most sun throughout the day.
7. How much work will be required after moving in?
This can have a significant impact on your budget. With this in mind, below are some key things to enquire about are:
- Looking at how energy efficient the house is
- Notifying of any damp issue
- Altering the furnishing
8. Are you open to offers?
Negotiation is a common part of the house-buying process. To find out how to make an offer if you’re interested in the property so that you can act quickly once you decide.
If the seller or estate agent is open to it, think about discussing what may be deemed too low or too high as well as finding out if any other offers have been made and rejected.
9. When can we move in?
If you’re set on a particular property, the next thing you need to know is when you can start making the place your home.
You may have gained an inclination by asking some of the earlier questions, but by setting a date in your diary, you can plan your other jobs, such as instructing a conveyancing solicitor, packing your belongings and arranging a removal van.
Date Last Edited: December 19, 2023
