Where to start? Are you moving from a city to the country or vice versa, apartment to a house, out of location, overseas? Draw up your boundaries, maximum budget, must haves and where there is scope for compromise. Are you looking to commute daily, schools for children, family activities – riding, golf, and sailing? Minimum number of bedrooms, receptions rooms, outside space, off road parking.
Once you have the basics on a list start by making some simple search enquiries on a leading multiple property listing website. This will give you a glance at the area of choice, availability and whether you are under or over budget.
In a short time you will start to get an idea of which estate agents are selling property that closely match your requirements. You may be able to register with these agents online and set up an email alert function. You can also set up an email alert with the property multiple listing website.
First key decision. At this point do you want help from a property search agent or are you keen to carry on the search yourself? Remember not every property is listed in the “open market” or on an estate agents website and certainly not on a multiple property listing website. Not all estate agents subscribe to the leading the multiple listing websites. Some estate agents hold back property to sell to select buyers. Vendors may also request a private placing and not want an “open market” campaign. This happens more at the upper end of the property market. A good property search agent will give you access to property not marketed in the “open market”.
Second key decision. I have identified a property that on paper sounds interesting, even on Goole Maps there seem to be no obvious problems / blights. Do I make the trip from London to Gloucestershire? If I had employed a property search agent they could tell me immediately if the property is suitable for a viewing.
Third key decision. Local knowledge and facilities. Does the property meet our requirements? A property search agent can help me with any of these questions. Can I walk to the park, where is the nearest tube station. Is there ample off street parking. Where are the best local schools and who to contact to arrange an interview to discuss enrolling our children?
There is so much more than just finding a property. Think very carefully before going-it-alone. The cost of moving can be very high, stamp duty, legal fees, other advisers fees, removal, general repairs and maintenance to the new property. All these cost make for a costly mistake if the property is wrong, location is not right or the surrounding location is not suitable.
