Choosing to buy a property may be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in a lifetime. It is for this very reason that impartial advice is critical from a qualified mortgage advisor.Whether you are a first-time buyer, looking to re-mortgage, or even looking to purchase a second home, this is where Thomas & Co excel. We know that no two clients are the same, so we guarantee reliable mortgage advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
First time buyersBuying your first home can be exciting, but somewhat daunting. We at Thomas & Co aim to walk you through the process, simplify the jargon and remove the stress.
Buying a house is one of the most important purchases you will ever make and buying a home for the first time can be confusing. To help you make the right decision we have put together our top tips for those new to the property market;
Be realistic, use a budget calculator to work out exactly how much you can afford to spend on your first home.
Remember when budgeting to factor in additional costs to your monthly repayments such as, stamp duty, property refurbishment, legal and conveyancing fees.
Take an experienced home owner with you when visiting properties. They will be able to point out details that you may miss as you are new to the process. Always look at running costs (websites like Zoopla can help with this) such as council tax, heating, electricity, insurances and so on – really understand what your total monthly outlay will be.
Think about the future value of the property when deciding the type and location. For example, if you buy in a catchment area for a good local school you may find a future sell easier.
If you’re a heavy internet user be sure to check the availability of broadband and other high-speed internet in the street you want to buy.
If you have a car investigate any changes/potential premium increases to your car insurance based on parking arrangements, local crime rates, increased annual mileage and so on.
Look into the availability of public transport, such as bus routes, train lines and airports. This may be important if you don’t drive, and for those wanting to visit you.
Think about your commute to work, as commuting can be one of the biggest household expenses. It may be more expensive to live closer to work but weigh this up against the costs and time of commuting. Think outside the box – do you have colleagues in the area, could you look to set up a carpool arrangement to reduce the cost of commuting?
Write down a list of local amenities which are important to you. This may include shops, restaurants, pubs, sports centres, parks, and cinemas. If you enjoy activities such as walking, or cycling, the neighbourhood you plan to move into may be very different to what you are used to and may not have the same access to parks and other recreational facilities.
Before making any final decision about where to move to, take a stroll or bike ride around the local area, and note down where the key facilities are.
Last But Not Least, speak directly to an expert mortgage advisor, for more info Click Contact us