Any tips for searching for properties?

undercover_peon

I've just started looking in Ernest for properties to buy in the local area, having coming by a deposit following a bereavement (every cloud has a silver lining and all that, I'm sure my mum would approve of us using the funds for a deposit too).


My question for more experienced folk is how the devil did you find a property or properties in the plethora advertised by estate agents? Do you prefer to follow your nose and look up properties you have seen as you walk or drive around? I've found it challenging even to find such properties when I know what agent they are listed with.


I do have to wait until later in the year before I will be in a position to apply for a mortgage and buy but thus far it seems like it is just incredibly cumbersome to search (even selecting only certain areas there are a massive number of properties for sale).


Any top tips?

marksoton

I just looked on Rightmove,Zoopla etc.

Noted the details of any properties of interest,the agent and phone number and then rang to arrange viewings.

Completely painless.

Ithaca

When you set up a Rightmove / zoopla / house.co.uk search set the upper value limit £50k over your budget. Often sellers price "optimistically" and would accept a lower offer, but you need to make sure you're not ruling any out by capping your search (e.g. if your budget is £200k set your search to £250k to make sure you get the properties priced at £210k-£220k).

luckbox

On top of the above, work out what kind of property you want. Flat/ House/ 2 bed/ 4 bed. Next think about features like gardens, parking, what are most important. This should see the number of potential properties plummet to a more digestible number.

You already know the area as its local to you, so know where to avoid and where would be ideal, so that box is already ticked.

MFWannabe

Agree. Search on Rightmove etc. Put in your area and mile radius and go over the amount you are willing to pay due to lower offers possibly being accepted; otherwise you may miss out on properties
Also tell local estate agents what area you are looking for and the amount you are willing to pay

cloo

It can be worth driving/walking around the area and identifying roads you like. We really liked our road as soon as we saw it and were lucky enough to nab a flat on it, and indeed, we've ended up moving on to a house on the same street!