How to buy a home without regrets

As the seasons begin to change you may find yourself spending more time in your home, and as you relax one evening and find yourself taking in your new home, are you filled with joy about your decision or do you have a niggle of regret?  In your quest to find your next home you will make compromises, but will your decision on where to compromise come back to haunt you?  Based on our years of experience selling property in Chelmsford here is our advice on how to buy a home without regrets.

Buy for tomorrow

The home you need today might be different to the one you may need in a year or even five years’ time.  Although you can’t predict the future, you can look for a home that will accommodate what you believe may lie ahead.  Recent studies suggest that the rate we move house has slowed over the years, thus you may find yourself living longer in your next property than you anticipate.  Therefore you should think about you may need for at least the next five years with regards to space and features for today and tomorrow.

Quality of life

Are you buying a home or an investment?  We all hope that our property will increase in value whilst we are living there, but your home is where your life happens – it’s where you eat, sleep and raise your family.

The UK housing market can be unpredictable at times and if you’re seeing this purchase as purely an investment then you will have a completely different mindset and criteria to what you will have when buying a home.  Your house should be there to help improve your quality of life and lifestyle, and if it increases in value that’s a bonus.

Keep focused

You are looking for a home in Chelmsford that meets your needs, is in your desired location, and that you afford.  All singing and all dancing features may grab your attention and excite you, but they could also drive up the price.  Although they may be nice to have, will the enjoyment last long term or will you end up paying the price for shiny features rather than keeping focused on your needs.

Location can’t be changed

When it comes to property, many things can be changed – you can redecorate, extend, knock down walls, and make it work for you and your family.  Yet there is one thing you can never change, and that’s where it is situated.  Therefore, before you rush into a decision think seriously about local schools, and how that planned shorter commute can improve your life.

Remember, your home is only part of your move, the community you’re moving into is what can see your life enhanced.  The ability for your children to easily access a park, a place where you can quickly nip for a coffee, a strong community that always hosts events, these are the things that will matter.  Spend time in the neighbourhood, see what is happening around you, and, if it is new to you, take some time to get to know the locals, you will know if it starts to feel like home.

Stay the distance

The sales process can be stressful, and unnecessary delays brought by others in the chain can start to make you nervous.  Doubts may set in as you ponder whether you are making the right decision as the delay is just a sign.  The truth is, at Charles David Casson we will work tirelessly to keep your chain moving forward, but even with all our efforts delays can happen that are out of our control.  Therefore, go into your move with no preconceptions of timescales as, in doing so, you may walk away from your perfect home.

Walk away

That being said – and you may not understand why we are saying this – but you should also be prepared to walk away if something is really niggling at you.  But before you run, make sure you ask all the right questions, and do all the research you need, as you would hate to say goodbye over a misunderstanding that can be easily resolved.  We also understand that sometimes things just don’t feel right and the last thing we would want you to do is make the wrong decision for you and your family.

No remorse

Homebuyers’ remorse is more common than you think, yet if you plan for tomorrow, buy for needs and quality of life, seriously consider location and you’re able to stay the distance, you will have found your ideal home.

If you’re looking for a home in Chelmsford we’re the agent who can find a needle in a haystack. Give the sales team a call today on 01245 835859.