How to make buying a home less stressful

Buying a home is super exciting, but it can feel overwhelming. We take a look at how to make buying a home less stressful.

A recent survey by property advisor platform First In The Door, conducted with YouGov, delved into the challenges UK buyers face when purchasing a home. The results showed that 34.8% of adults in the UK find buying a home more difficult and stressful than selling, whilst 27.8% think selling is harder. Additionally, 51.1% of respondents described the process as stressful and time-consuming, 41% experienced frustration due to delays in the property chain, and 38.2% had difficulties negotiating or securing a fair price.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to make the home-buying process smoother and more manageable. At Pinewood we’ve put together some tips to help you navigate the complexities of buying a home.

Be prepared, ready, and organised

Preparation is key!. Conduct your research in areas to include schools, amenities, travel time to work before you find the perfect home, this will make the experience less stressful.

Count your pennies

Before approaching a lender, research the amount of deposit you will need, check your credit score, and look at what additional finances you would need to cover monthly bills.

It’s crucial to ensure you can cover all additional expenses associated with purchasing a home, even with a mortgage in principle and a substantial deposit saved. Make sure you have funds for estate agent fees (if you’re selling your current home), removals, conveyancing charges, and surveys. It’s also wise to maintain a financial cushion for unexpected costs, such as extra solicitors letters or more comprehensive surveys. Addressing these financial aspects early on will greatly reduce stress and provide peace of mind during the home-buying process.

Paperwork

Stay on top of your solicitor, they will have multiple transactions that they are looking after, if you haven’t heard anything in a while give them a call or email. House contracts, solicitor agreements, and surveys often include complex terminology. Misunderstanding these documents can lead to significant stress. If any aspect of the paperwork is unclear or raises concerns, consult your solicitor or estate agent and ask that they explain how they affect your home purchase.

Choose the right estate agent

Choosing the right estate agent is crucial to a stress-free home-buying journey. At Pinewood, we will not only streamline the process but also provide invaluable support and advice, turning a potentially stressful experience into an exciting adventure. Give our team a call on 01246 221039.