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A guide to finding your new home in 2023

Posted on: Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Finding a home that’s right for you in today’s market is similar to shopping for a specific item in a mega-store. With so much to choose from, you will need to check every possible avenue and be prepared to ask a few questions along the way. Luckily, all you really need is a solid game plan and an open mind to find your new home this year – which is why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you on your way!

 

Know what you’re looking for

Browsing through properties is often fun and exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. The housing market has plenty to offer, and you might want to narrow down your search by deciding on what it is exactly that you’re looking for. Scrolling through pages and pages of listings can make choosing one seem impossible, but if you establish a search criterion, you won’t waste any time looking at homes that you would never live in. You may not be able to check all of your desired features off the list, but it’s a great place to start!

Browsing through properties is often fun and exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.

 

Decide if you should sell first

If you are already a homeowner, you will need to decide whether you want to sell your current property before buying your next. This is an important decision that comes with some risks, but you can certainly put yourself in a strong position by selling first. A buyer that can offer a ‘chain-free’ transaction has a good chance of getting their offer accepted, especially if the seller is looking for a quick move. However, the risk is that you may end up selling your home long before you find your next one, so you will need to thoroughly weigh up your options before coming to a decision.  

 

Settle on a budget

Your focus may be on how much of a deposit you can get together, but don’t forget to prepare for the additional costs of buying a home. These can add a substantial sum to the overall price of moving, particularly if you plan on doing serious building or redecoration work. Settling on a final budget will allow you to proceed with confidence – and you’ll also avoid overspending. 

 

Choose a location

Whether you’re relocating or sticking close to your roots, deciding on an area will not be an easy decision. Do you want a ‘happening’ place with nearby amenities and travel links? Or would you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural setting? Whatever your preference is, make sure that the area is fundamentally suited to you and your family by checking crime rates, transport links and local schools.

Whether you’re relocating or sticking close to your roots, deciding on an area will not be an easy decision.

 

Plan for growth

Your future plans may dictate the type of home you’ll choose. Are you looking for a modest first home with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for the next five to ten years? For a first home, you may need to keep your expectations grounded, but if you’re planning on nesting, make sure you choose a big enough home that you’ll still love in years to come. 

 

Contact us 

If you’re looking to sell your property or would like more help with preparing for your next big move, contact your local Guild Member today.

 

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

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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

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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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