Your Home Search Checklist - Buy with Confidence
Searching for the right home can feel overwhelming, especially when good properties don’t hang around for long. This checklist will help you stay organised, confident, and ready to move when the right one appears.
With interest rates easing and buyer activity picking up again, there is more choice in many price ranges. That is the good news. The other side is that the best homes still attract attention quickly, so being prepared matters.
Get clear on what you actually want
Before you book viewings, write down your priorities:
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Garden, outside space or parking
• Distance to schools, stations and key roads
• Must haves vs would likes
The clearer you are, the easier it is to spot the right home quickly.
Sort your finances early
Speak to a mortgage advisor and get a Mortgage in Principle in place. It makes you more confident, helps you move faster, and shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
Set up alerts that actually match your needs
You want to know about the right homes straight away, not a day later.
• Make sure your portal alerts are accurate
• Ask us to set you up with Heads Up Alerts based on your exact criteria
A lot of buyers miss out simply because they are seeing the good ones too late.
Learn what “good value” looks like locally
Do not rely on asking prices alone. Look at:
• Recent sold prices on the same road or nearby
• How long homes are taking to sell
• The gap between asking price and sold price
This helps you judge what is realistic and where there may be room to negotiate.
View at different times if you can
A street can feel totally different at 8am compared to 7pm.
• Parking and traffic
• Noise levels
• Natural light and sun position
A second look can stop you making an expensive mistake.
Ask better questions on the viewing
Most buyers focus on the kitchen and forget the key details. Ask:
• How long has it been on the market
• Has there been much interest or any offers
• What is included in the sale
• Any recent work done or issues to be aware of
These answers give you context before you decide how strong your offer needs to be.
Understand the legal and running costs
If it is leasehold, you need clarity before you commit:
• Lease length
• Service charge and ground rent
• Any planned major works
These can affect affordability now and resale value later.
Book a survey and do not skip it
A survey can uncover issues you would never spot on a viewing. It can also give you leverage to renegotiate if something serious comes up, or peace of mind if it does not.
Ready to Take Action?
If you want to find the right home without feeling like you are always playing catch up, we can set you up with Heads Up Alerts and guide you through the buying process from viewing to offer to completion. Click the banner below and start your search today.
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07969 638349
duncan.kaye@keysandlee.co.uk
