One of the biggest dreams of many people is to finally buy their own home, especially in an area as beautiful as Islington, and skilled local estate agents are here to help bring that dream to life.
However, what can be so tragic is that this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare based on some all-too-common mistakes and oversights made by buyers excited about the potential next stage of their lives.
The worst feeling possible is buyer’s remorse, and feeling like you made the wrong decision on your future home can weigh so heavily on your mind.
Here are the most common mistakes we see, why they happen and how to avoid them.
Going Overbudget
The problem with a dream is that it overtakes the rationality of the market, and sometimes this can lead buyers to eschew looking for a potentially lower offer or even potentially paying higher than market rate.
Usually the issue is caused by a house being affordable in theory and on paper, but struggling with the reality of all of the costs involved with maintaining a home, compounded by an increased cost of living caused by inflation.
Not Getting Your Surveys
Whilst this is less of an issue due to mortgage lenders often requiring surveys before providing the funds. However, even beyond basic mortgage valuations, you must do your research with a property.
Have a full survey undertaken, particularly for older buildings or where there is evidence or a suspicion of potentially structural problems or damp.
Not Thinking About The Location Enough
If you are going to live somewhere, you have to make sure it is an area you like and feel comfortable integrating into your daily life.
Beyond ensuring it is a sensible commute, take a few trips to the area and look for shops, restaurants, nearby amenities and local community hubs to ensure that you would feel comfortable moving in there and happy to plant roots.