6 Things You Should Do Before You Even Consider Buying Property

Buying property should not be taken lightly, and yet many people are entering into this expensive and complicated contract just because they believe it’s the ‘done thing’. Being a property owner can be a great feeling, but not if you struggle to keep up with mortgage payments because you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Let’s take a look at 6 things you should do before you even consider buying property:

1. Check and Improve Your Credit Score

If your credit score isn’t right, you’ll seem unreliable and nobody will want to loan you money. If you’re not sure what state it’s in right now, this isn’t a good start. You can check it for free with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Make sure you fix any mistakes and ensure you’re not being penalised for settled/paid debts, as this can happen sometimes. Ensure there are no mistakes and get your credit score in the best possible condition before moving on.

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2. Know Exactly What You Can Afford 

If you’re going to buy a property, you need to know exactly what you can afford. Use a reliable calculator online to help you. However, you should remember; just because you’re being offered a certain loan amount doesn’t mean you have to accept the full loan. If you bite off more than you can chew and you end up not being able to pay off your mortgage, you’ll need someone who can help you with law covering real estate to come up with a solution so you can stay in your home. 

3. Have A Healthy Amount In Your Savings

You shouldn’t be living payday to payday, and if you are, banks will not want to give you a mortgage either. You’re going to need money put aside for home fixes and unexpected costs. You don’t want to have to take out a loan or loan money off family every time something happens - and things will happen, it’s just a matter of time. A healthy amount in your savings will give you peace of mind and keep you out of debt. 

4. Research Renting/Buying In Depth

Now, it’s also important to note that buying isn’t for everyone. You should research both renting and buying in depth to figure out what suits your situation best. For some, renting can even be a permanent solution depending on their life goals. 

5. Know Exactly What You Want Out Of A Property

You should know exactly what you want out of a property before you start looking. Knowing what is non-negotiable for you will help you to narrow down your search. You should also remember that if you’re going to live in it, you’re likely going to want completely different things than if you were to buy it and let it out. If letting out a property, you’ll want to consider your target audience. 

6. Think To The Future 

Could your situation change? Do you want kids, a pet, or are likely to move to a far away place with work? Think of every eventuality to make the best decision!