Checklist when buying your next home?

Slinky

kzzhar0 wrote: »

My partner got rid of the bath in this house and replaced it with a big shower which I tried to talk him out of but he wouldn't listen! Hope it doesn't put people off but I have a feeling it will

We're trying to rent it out at the moment as we can't move to it ourselves for a couple of years. The lack of bath has put some people off as of course unlike ourselves, they have to live with it how it is now. So yes, I think you will find there will be some people who don't like it, particularly if families are your target buyers.

[Deleted User]

We had a small budget and were FTB so buying something we could afford was number one priority. We did have a list of what we wanted) and got almost non of it (except for a massive garden!), but we absolutely fell in love with the house so the fact it had no parking, needed a lot of work and was on a main-ish road seemed irrelevant. Have absolutely no regrets, although we don't have children which no doubt makes it easier!!
Best of luck finding your next house.

theazdealhunters

kzzhar0 wrote: »

My partner and I are looking to sell our current home and move into somewhere bigger as we'd like to start a family. We have compiled a list of what is we are looking for but I was wondering what are your must-haves when looking for homes?
How many have you viewed? We have viewed one so far which we love but have been warned off jumping straight in.
I think its good to have other opinions of what to look for as it may bring up some ideas which we've not had so far.
We also need to think about how big our mortgage can be realistically which is difficult as a dream home requires a larger one...
Anyway, ideas would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

My first check list will always be the right Realtor who guides in the entire process. Also, dont just rely on them but knowing the correct market value.

moneyistooshorttomention

Feeling amused/envious at many people being able to make such a list of requirements for a house - as so many requirements are things lots of other people want too and that puts the price of the house matching these up.

To me - I was really only able to specify detached/a garden/a reasonable area and that was as far as I could make specifications on a single low income. To fulfil those requirements even meant moving elsewhere in the country - as there was absolutely nothing whatsoever in the detached (never mind a garden and reasonable area) in my home area that I could afford.

So I would say - the first question of all is "How much does a house that just matches absolute essentials cost - and how does it compare with what you can afford?" and it's a fortunate position to be in to be able to afford the "essentials" even.

As for the "desirables" as well - then that would add even more cost and be more difficult to get.

For a family - personally my very first consideration would be what the nearby schools are like. Then I'd start thinking about access to parks/beaches/countryside. So there are trade-offs to do and, in the position of having children, then (to me personally) the Top Essential of all (ie detached) would have to drop down the list and I'd have stayed in my home area (even if it meant a terrace house/no garden/etc) to be sure I was okay about that - and could help them with their homework (as I'd understand it).

So - with child/ren essentials (in order of priority):

- The SCHOOLS!!!!
- A suitable garden
- A large kitchen/diner
- Reasonable size sitting room

Which is very different to my childless list of:
- Detached
- Reasonable area
- Garden
- My home area (we've become unaffordable for me then at that point....:cool:)
- Large kitchen
- Decent size rooms generally
- Preferably nothing needing ripping-out (Rayburn, oil tank, "stuff" on ceilings, anything not maintained decently).

Davesnave

Just realised, zombie thread resurrected by person from US with personal agenda and apparently few skills in basic English.

tiernsee

Must haves


Off road parking
Small garden or very low maintenance garden
At least two toilets
Freehold
Detached


Nice to have
Two separate reception rooms
Ensuite


Must not have
Busy road
Too remote
Septic tank
Oil central heating

Amanda_Cm

Freehold, decent schools, 3-4 bedroom, detached or semi, garage!, downstairs cloakroom, shower and bath in the main, big garden, big kitchen, up to 1mile to station.