Summer is here and the real estate market is booming – ideal if you have itchy feet! If you’ve spotted your dream home and you’re keen to grab it before someone else does, you might be wondering where to start…
Whatever stage you’re at in the home-buying journey, it’s a good idea to have some key information to hand before you put in an offer. In this blog, we’ll run down the initial considerations to ensure that, when the perfect property appears, you’re ready to go!
Check Your Finances
If you’re hoping to buy a property, the first thing to consider is your budget. Before you get too far along in your home-buying journey, you’ll want to know what price bracket you can afford to look in. If you need to borrow some funds, it’s worth speaking to a specialist mortgage adviser like Cherry Godfrey sooner rather than later. We’re familiar with all the intricacies of buying and selling properties across the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and our experienced team are here to help with all aspects of the buying process: advising on how much you can borrow, what deposit you’ll require, and – if you’re selling a property, too – whether your current mortgage is portable, and what financial options are available to you.
Estate agents - and location, location, location!
Now that your budget is in place, you can narrow down your search areas – after all, location is arguably the most important thing about a property! Do you have a work commute to consider? Or public transport requirements? Children of school age? Setting your criteria early could save you time and money in the long run.
You may find that certain estate agents specialise in particular areas or types of property, which can help focus your search, too. Make sure you’ve registered with a good number of agents, and that they’re aware of your individual requirements. Generic property portals (like Rightmove) have their uses, but for Island properties, local estate agents will be your best bet: they’ll be able to shortlist you for properties that match your criteria and – with any luck - get you to the top of the queue for a speedy viewing.
Take a second look
Sometimes, when you walk through the door of a home, you just know: this is the one. That gut instinct is hard to ignore – but before you put in a firm offer, it’s recommended that you go back for a second viewing, just in case! It’s a good idea to arrange this at a different time of day so you can get a feel for the area and property both during the day and at night: ensuring there aren’t any nasty surprises, that you feel safe and secure in the area, and giving you the chance to see what the property looks like in different kinds of light.
Appoint Experts
Purchasing property can be a complex process, and it’s important to find the right team to act for you. When it comes to buying and selling properties in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, Cherry Godfrey are a ‘one-stop shop’ and will be happy to guide you through the whole process – from the initial enquiries to the successful registration of your mortgage. Our expert team can provide estimates for legal fees, monthly Mortgage payments and Life Insurance premiums, as well as liaising with lenders, lawyers and surveyors on your behalf. We can even help with paperwork!
Contact Cherry Godfrey today and take the first step towards your new dream home: we’ll work tirelessly to ensure the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
