Hunting for a new home may appear to be a straightforward affair. We tell you about the pitfalls to watch out for.
You check the classifieds, put in a quick search online, then suss out feasible options with the right price. The truth is, finding the right abode is rarely that easy — thanks to pitfalls which you might not be aware of, or might have forgotten. Nevertheless, here are four active measures that will help in acquiring the perfect piece of real estate.
- Understand the unique requirements of your family
Before setting off on a house hunt one of the most important questions that you need to ask is this: What do I want? Do I want a luxurious condominium unit or a regular HDB flat? Do I need a three-room unit for my family? Is a house that is close to my workplace preferable? Or would it better if it were nearer to my child’s school? Such are the foremost queries that have to be answered before embarking on a property hunt. Not only are they crucial for setting the focus of your search, the answers to these questions will also determine the must-haves of your future home. Always remember, the ideal home is one which fulfils your needs best, so start ticking off that personal checklist! - Carpe Diem!
‘Time is Money’ is a statement that rings true when it comes to searching for the ideal residence. Although due care should be taken during every step of the selection process, home-hunters should also note that every minute spent on property viewings or showroom visits is less time available for other activities. One way you can cut down on the amount of time spent on the entire process is to simply plan ahead. This involves coming up with an approximate schedule of events; from the hours spent on weekly viewings to the afternoon used for negotiating a deal, having a timeline definitely makes for a more efficient home-hunting experience. - Do your homework
Apart from creating an agenda, another way to ensure a smooth house hunt is through conducting adequate market research. For instance, it can be useful to check out the amenities within a neighbourhood and whether they match your lifestyle demands. Likewise, inspecting the availability and/or suitability of other related environmental factors is crucial for picking the best home. Security, transportation, and recreational facilities are all important elements which determine the quality of a chosen property. Once again, this will also help in shaving time off the entire search process as it greatly narrows the scope of a house hunt.
- Seeing IS believing
Just like making any other physical purchase, it is important for you to conduct a check of the property in question. This is a key aspect of any real estate purchase which should not be ignored by any prospective homeowners. As the future landlord, the duty of ensuring the property’s structural soundness will fall to you — along with the burden of any associated repair costs. Furthermore, by getting a feel of your (potential) new home in-person, this raises your chances of detecting any hidden flaws. Examples of common defects include leaky pipes, damaged flooring, and wall cracks. While seemingly innocuous, these problems can lead to serious structural damage in the long run. That said, make an effort to carry out a physical inspection today, it will be worth it.
