How to make buying a home less stressful
Buying a home is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming. With countless decisions to make and financial implications to consider, stress can quickly pile up. A recent survey by property advisor platform First In The Door, conducted with YouGov, delved into the challenges UK buyers face when purchasing a home.
The results showed that 34.8% of adults in the UK find buying a home more difficult and stressful than selling, whilst 27.8% think selling is harder. Additionally, 51.1% of respondents described the process as stressful and time-consuming, 41% experienced frustration due to delays in the property chain, and 38.2% had difficulties negotiating or securing a fair price.
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to make the home-buying process smoother and more manageable. At Oakwood homes we've put together some tips to help you navigate the complexities of buying a home and, hopefully, enjoy the journey along the way.
Be prepared, ready, and organised
To make the home-buying process smoother, preparation is essential. Conducting a bit of research beforehand can make the experience less stressful and ensure you make informed decisions.
In the excitement of purchasing your first home, the temptation to dive right in is strong. However, it’s crucial to ensure you’re ready. Before approaching a lender, confirm you have a sufficient deposit, a good credit score, and financial stability. These are all aspects they’ll scrutinise. Additionally, it’s wise to have a clear idea of what you want in a home.
It's crucial to ensure you can cover all additional expenses associated with purchasing a home, even with a mortgage in principle and a substantial deposit saved. Make sure you have funds for estate agent fees (if you're selling your current home), removals, conveyancing charges, and surveys. It's also wise to maintain a financial cushion for unexpected costs, such as extra solicitors letters or more comprehensive surveys. Addressing these financial aspects early on will greatly reduce stress and provide peace of mind during the home-buying process.
The home-buying process can be lengthy and will require numerous key documents. Keeping these organised and accessible is vital for two reasons. Firstly, it minimises delays from misplaced paperwork. Secondly, it simplifies understanding your position when making decisions.
House contracts, solicitor agreements, and surveys often include complex terminology. Misunderstanding these documents can lead to significant stress. If any aspect of the paperwork is unclear or raises concerns, consult your solicitor or estate agent. Request that they clarify the terms in plain English and explain how they affect your home purchase.
Consider your wellbeing
If only the logistical elements caused stress during the home-buying process, you could simply make a to-do list and tick tasks off until you felt relieved. However, purchasing a home is also emotionally challenging – and understandably so, given that it’s a significant endeavour for which we often receive little guidance.
The fear of missing out on the ideal home can make it difficult to appreciate the many wonderful properties you’ll encounter. Whilst it’s tempting to hold out for the next fantastic listing, it’s important to set aside these feelings and focus on the opportunities at hand.
One way to alleviate such stress and make your search more manageable is to abandon the notion of a perfect home. The perfect home doesn’t exist. Finding a property that is the right size, in a desirable location, and within your budget is already a substantial achievement. Additionally, the home needs to match your aesthetic preferences. If you discover a property that meets most of these criteria, minor shortcomings such as the absence of an en-suite or a large garden shouldn’t be deal-breakers.
Remember, you’re not alone in finding the home-buying process stressful. Reach out to friends and family who have been through it. They can offer support and share valuable insights from their experiences, helping you feel less isolated. At the very least, spend time with that friend who never fails to lift your spirits.
Now is the time to be proactive. Don’t hesitate to assert yourself throughout this process, whether dealing with your estate agent or other professionals, like mortgage brokers. Advocate for your wants and needs, and don’t let a fear of confrontation add to your stress. It’s far better to express your feelings now than to worry about them until the sale is final.
By recognising the emotional and logistical challenges involved, seeking support, and standing up for yourself, you can navigate the home-buying journey with greater ease and confidence. This approach will help you remain focused and positive, ultimately making the process a more rewarding experience.
Choose the right estate agent
Choosing the right estate agent is crucial to a stress-free home-buying journey. At Oakwood homes we will not only streamline the process but also provide invaluable support and advice, turning a potentially stressful experience into an exciting adventure. Give our team a call on 01843 222701.