Finding the right family home is a huge investment and not a choice to be made lightly. Houses come in all shapes and sizes and it’s important that you find the right one to call your forever home. So whether you are looking at a city apartment, suburban house or Dual Occupancy Properties, we have got the top tips for you below to help you make the right decision. 

Research The Area

Sometimes the right house might be in the wrong area for your family, it is important to research the area before you start looking at properties so you are not disappointed later on. So what research should you be doing? First is checking out the local crime rate, there is crime everywhere but some more than others, so check that the area you are considering isn’t too high. Local Schools, parks and amenities are also things you should research and make sure are suitable for your family. 

Think About The Future

If you would like your next house to be your forever home then it’s wise to think about the future. Are there enough bedrooms for future children, is there an opportunity to extend and is it easily adaptable for when you get older. Thinking about these things now will save you heartbreak in the future when you realize you no longer have the space for your growing brood.

Set Your Budget

Work out your budget before you start looking, you don’t want to fall in love with a house to realize that you can’t actually afford it. Sit down and talk with a financial advisor to see what your budget is. Remember to include realtor costs, legal fees, any renovation that will need doing and moving day costs into your budget. 

Take Your Time, But Not Too Much

It’s important that you don’t make any rash decisions when buying a new property. Yes, you might instantly fall in love with a house but before you go full force ahead and make an offer, take some time to mull over the pros and cons. It’s also wise to carry out some maintenance checks to see if it needs any work doing to it that you can’t see at first glance. When taking your time to make a decision be cautious not to take too long, a week or so can be fine but if it is in a sought-after area it might be snapped up quickly. So make sure your realtor knows you are interested so they can prompt you if there is any other interest.

Consider Your Pets

Our pets are part of the family too so their needs must be thought of too. If you have a dog for example you should look for somewhere that has adequate outdoor space and a vet nearby. You will need to think about your pet on moving day too, traveling can be hard on animals so check out our tips on Helping Your Pet Cope With Moving Anxiety.