Real estate has produced many of the world’s wealthiest people, so there are plenty of reasons to think that it is a sound investment.
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you have to make in life, and it really is worth putting in the effort to make sure you get it right. Too many people make mistakes in buying homes, which can affect your wellbeing, create a major hassle and be very expensive.
Choosing a property is an exciting time but much thought and planning needs to be done including considering location, entertainment, budget and amenities.
You know what size your household is, and whether it’s likely to grow in the future. You know how much space you will need based on your own current household configuration. Get a handle on the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need in the property you will buy. Think about the overall plot size because maybe you’re an avid gardener or have large dogs, you’ll need more space in the exterior.
Understand your basic requirements for your home then you can start to consider extra requirements, for example, an office or children’s playroom.
Perhaps you require a garage or utility room to store tools or garden furniture during the winter.
Is your new property an investment property, a holiday home, or a property you will relocate or retire to?
If the property is going to be a holiday home or a holiday rental, an area near to the beach, near to public transport and close by restaurants and shops is ideal. Foreigners on holiday don’t want to be having to walk for miles to reach the tourist locations.
Location plays an important role in property investment, as the best properties are always situated in the best location. A property near public transportation or education intuitions will be the main priority for the need of getting higher rental yields. But, when it comes to buying a property for your own stay, the priority should be in a less traffic vicinity, yet with important amenities in the surrounding area.
The question is, in tourist resorts, during winter time.
Which restaurants and cafes close down?
Does the local public transport continue to service?
If you are relocating, to live permanently you must take into consideration the cooler winter months.
Does the property have central heating?
What hot water system is in place?
If you have children, are there schools or playgrounds nearby?
These questions must be thought about carefully.
Is the property you like on the mountains edge?
The higher the area the cooler it will become in the winter time. In the summer months though, these properties will be cooler and more comfortable during the hotter seasons.
It’s also a good idea to check out the local neighborhood and see what amenities are available. If you have children, you must check out the local schools and see the quality. Have a look around for parks or cafes nearby.
Also, it’s a good idea to check out future developments. The municipal planning department will have information on developments or plans that have already been zoned into the area. If there is a lot of construction going on, it is probably a good growth area. Watch out for new developments that could hurt the price of surrounding properties. Additional new housing could also compete with your property.
If you are looking for an investment rental property it’s always best find out the areas average rent. Research the area well enough to gauge where it might be headed in the next ten years. Check out future developments because this can affect the price of your property in the future if you ever decide to sell.
If you’re faced with a choice between a home that seems like a bargain but requires some repairs or fixing up or a home that’s slightly more expensive but requires little or no work, which do you choose?
In general, you probably want to opt for paying more today for a home that’s still standing solidly tomorrow. There may be a good reason why a home is listed at a bargain price- it might be too expensive and time consuming for anyone to reasonably fix.
Always trust your instinct. If you feel something is not right, or feel unsure about the developer or salesperson, please investigate. Never invest in a property that fails to convince you.
If there is any uncertainty regarding the procedures, bank loans, or regarding the property itself, always obtain a second opinion.