| Hunting down a new place to live can be one of | | | | and don't try to fool yourself. The better the |
| the most stressful times of your life. | | | | spec, the easier your search will be. |
| The pressure is on to find a property that will fit | | | | Brief every estate agent |
| the requirements of you and your family over | | | | Most agents love it when active buyers trot in |
| the next few years. It needs to have enough | | | | through the door to present themselves, as it can |
| space for you to grow into, and to meet the | | | | make their job of matching sellers and buyers a |
| changing demands of family life. | | | | whole lot easier. Type up your brief and present it |
| It also needs to be in exactly the right location, | | | | to every agent in the area. Ask for their help to |
| taking into account where you and your partner | | | | find a property that's suitable. Smart agents will |
| work, and where the children go to school. You | | | | compare your requirements to their current |
| need to look at the position of local amenities, and | | | | housing stock. If they don't have anything straight |
| whether the property is in the right place to fit | | | | away, you can be sure you will be the first to |
| your desired lifestyle. | | | | know when a suitable house does come up. If an |
| On top of that the house needs to be in a good | | | | agent can get a potential buyer into a property |
| state of repair, or fit the requirements of any | | | | before it's been advertised, they could save |
| renovation project you're looking for. And of | | | | themselves a lot of time and money. It's at this |
| course you need to find a property that sits | | | | stage that you should also ask agents how often |
| within a certain price bracket. | | | | homes of this type come up for sale at this price. |
| When all of those conditions have been satisfied, | | | | If your spec is wildly unrealistic, the agents will tell |
| you then need to make sure it's a house that you | | | | you, and you should revisit it. |
| can fall in love with! Phew... it's a lot of hassle, and | | | | Read everything |
| you can see why some people prefer to stick | | | | To find a property you should buy and read |
| with property letting, no matter how much | | | | every local newspaper and visit property portals |
| money they are wasting. At least when you rent | | | | every day. New houses come onto the market |
| you can move on after a few months if you get | | | | each day, so you need to ensure you are on top |
| your choice of property wrong. | | | | of everything. Keep a list of properties that you |
| To help you find a property that's perfect for | | | | have looked at and why you rejected them. This |
| you, here are a number of things you can do to | | | | will help to stop you from duplicating your efforts. |
| ensure you are in the right place at the right time | | | | Pass the word around |
| when the right property becomes available. | | | | Don't forget to spread the word in the area |
| Know what you want | | | | you're looking to buy, especially if it's a small |
| Before you start looking, draw up a detailed spec | | | | community. Having a drink in the pub and chatting |
| for a house. Start with the "must haves" - the | | | | to the right person will help to open all the |
| price it must be, location, the number of rooms | | | | channels of local gossip and information to you. It's |
| you need, car parking, etc. Then move onto the | | | | possible to find a property before the owners |
| "nice to haves"; the things that will make the | | | | have formally put it up for sale. |
| property perfect for you. Be tough at this stage | | | | |