April, 2017
Searching for a new home is exciting, especially when you can take your family along to explore new locations too. However, finding the right property for your family isn’t always as straightforward as you might hope. Why? Uncertainly tends to creep in when it’s time to make an offer, especially if you haven’t properly considered what kind of home your family really needs.
If you are struggling to decide which home is right for your family, it’s worth keeping these pointers in mind…
Sometimes a home can tick all the boxes on paper, but when you go for a viewing, something can just feel ‘off’. Don’t be afraid to let intuition guide you. Listen to your gut and always trust your instincts.
Keep it simple and know your priorities. Before you start viewing properties it’s a great idea to sit down and make a list of what’s important to you. If your current home is too small for your family, you might list a larger living area, or a property with an extra bedroom or two. Do you love the outdoors or have pets? You might want to prioritise homes with gardens or easy access to local parks or walking trails.
Of course, this should go without saying, but it’s crucial to research an area before you buy a home there. Visit the property in the day and at night to get a better feel for what the area is like. You can also research local crime stats at Police.co.uk and find crime statistics for neighbourhoods across the UK.
What kind of hobbies and interest does your family have? Do you enjoy going to the cinema, swimming or for long bike rides? If so, think about what the local infrastructure is like and how easy (or hard) it will be for your family to do what they love.
Can you imagine your family coming back to the home after a long day at work or school? How will the layout of the property complement your daily routine? It’s not only fun to imagine where you’d hang your pictures and what colour you’d paint the living room, it’s also useful for helping you decide whether the property is right for you.
Sometimes it’s necessary to adjust expectations and make compromises when house hunting to find a home that not only fits your practical requirements, but your budget too. An experienced estate agent is an excellent ally to have in the search for your new home. Armed with their excellent knowledge of the local property market and experience matching families with forever homes, you’ll find your idea home in no time at all.
If you’re looking for a family home in north Manchester or south-east Lancashire, get in touch with Weale and Hitchen. Established in 1990, we’ve been helping match house-hunters with their dream homes for over 25 years. As an independent estate agency, our property team know the local area inside and out, so what are you waiting for? Contact your local office today and kick start your property search.
