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Flying the nest: A guide to your first home away from home

Posted on: Friday, February 10, 2023

If it’s time to spread your wings and fly the nest, you will need to make sure everything is prepared for the journey ahead. Use this handy guide to help you buy your very first home.

 

Build up a deposit

Gathering a deposit will be the lengthiest part of the process, but the payoff will be worthwhile if you’re persistent and self-disciplined. If you have been prudent and opened up a ‘Help-to-Buy’ ISA, you will be able to deposit up to £200 a month, and the government will help you out by subsidising a helpful amount towards your overall savings when you’re ready to put down your deposit. If you don’t have an ISA or you wish to save over the £200 threshold, you can open separate savings accounts either through your bank or via a mobile banking app. It should be noted that while cutting back is essential, it’s important to decide on realistic savings goals and pace yourself. 

 

Check your credit score

Once saving up for your deposit is well underway, it’s time to check your credit score

Once saving up for your deposit is well underway, it’s time to check your credit score. You can do this online or through your bank. Mortgage lenders use you credit score to decide whether they can rely on you to repay the loan on time each month, so if your credit score could use some improvement, you will need to do some work to get it in the right margins. It should be noted that building up your credit score takes time, so the sooner you start, the better. 

 

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Before you begin looking at properties, you will need to be pre-approved for your mortgage. Mortgage lenders will assess your financial background, and inform you what monthly payments you can realistically afford. This will help you decide on your target price range for properties.

 

Go house hunting!

Even if you aren’t quite ready to buy yet, there’s no harm in seeing what the market has to offer! Searching for your first home can be overwhelming, so it’s best to start as early as you can and get a good feel for what you really want out of your first house purchase. Make sure to narrow down your search by including key features and price brackets – this will help you find what you’re looking for a lot faster!

 

Make an offer

Think you’ve found the one Don’t waste too much time pondering

Think you’ve found the one? Don’t waste too much time pondering; if a home feels right and is offering everything you need, you should put in an offer as soon as possible before someone else snatches it up.

 

Get a house survey

A house surveys is an expert inspection of a property's condition, which identifies problems to a prospective buyer so that you can avoid discovering issues later down the line. Most issues can be easily resolved as long as they’re highlighted early into the process, which is why a house survey is essential.

 

Closing of the deal

All involved parties must close the buying process before you can receive the keys. You will have to pay all parties the fees you owe, then you will be able to move into your new home!

 

Find Your First Home with The Guild

Find Your First Home with The Guild

Ready to search for your first home? The Guild are here to help. Our team of trustworthy professionals will guide you through the process whilst offering as much help and advice as possible.

 

 

What Our
Clients Say

"

I would highly recommend Hardings. Their knowledge of the local area is outstanding, and they give honest and reliable advice. They have always been my partner of choice when buying and selling.

Rhiannon Prothero

"

Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

"

I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

"

Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

"

I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

"

Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

"

We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

"

I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

"

We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

"

What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

"

Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

"

Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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