Buying a property, especially for the first time, can be a daunting business. Home buying is the biggest financial commitment most people make, and we at Apricot want to make sure that you get it right.

Firstly, Apricot Estates is only concerned with showing you properties that match your requirements, not wasting your time with unsuitable homes. That is why we’ve listed some important questions you need to consider before you start looking:

Do you want a flat, terrace, semi-detached or detached home?
Should it be old or new?
How many bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms will you need?
Would you prefer a separate dining room or conservatory?
Would you like to live near family and friends?
Do you need to be close to public transport or road links?
How much are you prepared to pay?
Would you like gas, electric or oil central heating?
Do you want loft space, a cellar, double-glazing?
How about a garage, gardens, outhouses or shed?

As you can see it's a good idea to know what sort of home you are looking for before you start viewing in earnest. It is best to register with an Apricot negotiator over the internet, phone or in person, because the more information we have, the less time you will waste. It is important to note, though, that you are unlikely to get everything that you want. The aim is to prioritise and see what you can get in the market with your money.

At your first viewing you will need to ask other questions, for example:

Are the rooms the right size for your existing furniture, carpets, and curtains or will you need to buy new ones?
Is the house secure? Look for window locks, a burglar alarm, chubb locks and outside lights.
Is there any modernisation that you would like to carry out? If so, how much will it cost?
Could you live here for 8 months let alone 8 years?
Take a look outside. Do the walls have any obvious cracks?
Is the garden the right size for you?
Will it require a lot of maintenance?
If the property is leasehold, how long is the lease?
Which boundary fences and walls are your responsibility and what state of repair are they in?
Try to ascertain the possible running costs of the home. It is draughty, does it have ill fitting doors, large windows, high ceilings, alcoves, several fireplaces or a costly heating system.
What are the water rates of the property?
How much Council Tax will you be paying?
For flats, check out maintenance charges, what they cover and when they’re payable.
What is the possible re-sale value and potential of the property?

Now you've seen a Property

Obviously you shouldn't feel at all obliged to buy a property if it does not meet your requirements. All Apricot negotiators will contact you the next day for feedback. This way you have an opportunity to sleep on any issues and ask questions when you have had time to consider the property. The more information we are given at this stage the better chance of finding you another property. If you don't like a property, please tell us why.

If you are really interested in the property, you should feel free to ask to see the property again, if not several more times, possibly at different times of the day and indeed, on different days of the week.

If you are considering making an offer, your Apricot negotiator will advise you as to whether it is likely to be accepted.

Offer

When you have found a property you want to buy, the next step is to submit an offer to your negotiator to put to the owner of the property. The thing you have to remember is that the seller will want to know that you are serious. Therefore we will normally ask you some questions to ensure the owner has all the information they need to make an informed decision on whether to accept your offer or not. These include whether you require a mortgage, has it been arranged, do you have a property to sell, and when you would like to move in.

If your finances are not in place by this stage you should sort this out as quickly as possible. Apricot can help you here. This is not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of the property owner as well. The mortgage consultant cannot disclose any confidential information you may give them, but they can call the estate agent and recommend your offer, stating that, on the basis of the information provided, there should be no problem with the mortgage. This will re-assure the owner and you

The current property market

In the current market you may well find that you won't go home with huge numbers of properties to consider. The lack of homes on the market means that you will invariably be contacted by telephone, email or text when we are instructed on a new property which fits your requirements.

Where possible, and of course if the property is suitable, try to view it as soon as you can, as homes are selling very quickly, sometimes within a few days. It is also a good idea to try and view as many properties as you possibly can. This will give you the clearest indication of what prices are being asked and indeed, the variation of different types of properties. After viewing a property, feedback about both the good and the bad aspects is important information to pass onto the negotiator. This will enable them to get a clearer indication of what would be an ideal home for you.

Purchasing a home : Where to start...