The first home that you buy will carry with it so much hope and promise. Regardless of whether you saved for it or not, it will hold immense value for you. You are making a commitment to build a life in this space, shaping it exactly the way you want to. That said, it is completely normal to feel anxious about making your first big investment. You want things to go right and for your home to be perfect. So here are 5 tips for first-time home buyers to ensure smooth sailing through the real estate market:

Talk to Homeowners you Trust

Obviously, the best kind of advice usually comes from those who have been through it. Seek out colleagues, neighbours, family members and even school/college mates for advice. Ask them what challenges they faced while buying a home and how they overcame it. They can even help you out with information about home loans if you are planning to take one. Apart from that, make a list of questions that come to your head. They could be about hidden fees, legal documentation, trustworthy builders, things to look for in a new home and so on. Talk to as many people as you can and then make your own decisions.

Make an Assessment of your Finances

More often, a house ends up costing much more than its base price. There are several hidden charges such as parking space, advance deposits, Preferential Location Charges etc that can add to your home’s price. Apart from that, there are certain recurring costs such as home insurance, property tax and interest payment on your home loan. Lastly, you need to have a corpus set aside for furnishing, fixing or renovating your home. Before you set out to make your big purchase, try to have your finances in place. This will help you avoid any unforeseen stress. You may also consider buying a home when the property is at it’s new-launch phase in order to get a better deal.

Do Not Rush Into It

Buying a home is a long and seemingly unending process, especially if you are a first-time homeowner. You might want to do ten things at once to expedite the process. However, the best way to deal with it without any casualties is to be patient. Home buying requires meticulous assessments of every document and careful consideration of who you want to trust. Take it one step at a time and be thorough with things. This way, when you finally own your first house ever, it won’t be accompanied by any unnecessary anxiety. If you are an NRI looking to buy a home, there are several other considerations you will need to look into. So while it may seem wise to seal the deal during your short trip to Goa, being patient and thorough will save you from undue distress later.

Decide on your Location and Amenities

While the sea-view apartment may sound fancy, make sure it is accessible. If you are a working professional who has to travel every day, you need to consider that too. You don’t want to spend hours every day commuting to and from work. Apart from that, it is a good idea to have a school, hospital and a convenience store in the locality. Moreover, check for the area’s crime rate and the nearest police station too. Finally, if you do not own or plan on purchasing a vehicle, consider having a metro or bus station in proximity to your home as well.

Research your Real Estate Company Well

One of the reasons why people purchase a house is its resale value. Real estate makes for a great investment opportunity, provided it is taken care of well. Apart from that, it is also crucial that it is built on legal land and has all the permissions necessary for its construction. In order to buy a home with clean documentation and a sturdy structure, you need to find a reliable real estate agent. Read through websites of real estate companies in Goa and ask current clients about their experiences with their builders. That way, you can find one that you can trust.

Buying a home can be scary. However, with patience, plenty of research and the right kind of people to have your back, you don’t need to worry. Remember to take your own time to make sure you are taking the right steps and signing the right documents. 

For more helpful real-estate advice, visit our blog or talk to one of our sales agents at Kasu.