Searching For A Property
How can I search for a property?
80% of property searches in the UK now start with some sort of website. There are lots of major portals you can go to to have a look. For some people though, they prefer a more personal touch or some advice and they will therefore want to go to see an estate agent. Therefore going to the area you want to live in, wondering about seeing which estate agents have shops in the high street, and walking and seeing them is still a very valid way of looking for a property. But there's no harm in going online first to get some idea of what you want and what is affordable in the area you want to live in.
How can I find a bargin?
With regards to searching for a property, if you're looking for a bargain, the chances are if it's on the books of an estate agent, lots of other people are going to be seeing it. The best places often to look for a bargain are any place but estate agents; you really need to be motivated to find yourself a bargain though. Private sellers will often find that they don't have many people looking at their property, so look for private ads in a newspaper or local newspaper. Basically though, try and look for something that's not on the books of an estate agent. If you do find something whether it's on the books or off the books of an estate agent, and it does look like good value to you, do not try and be too clever with the price. If it looks like a bargain, the chances are someone else might spot it. So if it looks like a bargain, pay the price and take the property out of the market straight away.
Should I settle for less if my agent tells me to?
When searching for a property, you may have to compromise in terms of what you want to buy, but always remember, that an estate agent is being paid by the seller. Therefore, if they tell you that you are not necessarily going to find what you want to in your area, you don't have to accept that at face value.
Should I worry about resale value?
I don't think you should worry about the resale value, what you are buying is a home for yourself to live in. When you come to sell, markets move up and down. But, if it has happens to of moved down when you come to sell; so will what you want to buy, so it really doesn't matter.
How can I spot a good investment?
How can I spot a good investment? The kind of property that is going to retain its value best or go up is going to take everybody's boxes so if you're looking for a family house and the house is in a very nice street with good gardens it's near a good school. If you're buying a flat and perhaps it overlooks some gardens, it's near a cheep station or perhaps a train station, whatever it is- those are the kind of things that are going to mean it's going to hold its value best. You'll be well hedged in a difficult market, and if the market goes up it should go up more then anything else. That's how to get a good investment.
