Making a mistake when it comes to buying a property could cost you a lot so don’t fall into any of these blunders by planning how to prevent them.

• Overlooking your credit report. This is one of the most common mistakes that buyers make but fortunately one you can fix easily. Your credit score will affect your chances of getting a mortgage so it is vital to have a good one. Registering on the electoral roll, keeping up with credit card payments and paying back any loans are simple ways to boost your score.
• End up paying rent AND a mortgage. Remember that if you are currently renting then you usually need to give your landlord at least 1 months notice. Make sure you time this right so you don’t end up paying rent and a mortgage at the same time.
• Opting for the wrong mortgage. There are so many options when it comes to mortgages, which means that it is very easy to choose the wrong one. Taking mortgage advice from someone other than a mortgage advisor is also a common mistake that buyers make and this includes taking the advice from estate agents. Take your time, research and compare!
• Underestimating the total cost. Buying a house is not a cheap journey and aside from the actual cost of the property, you also have to consider estate agent fees, legal fees, mortgage payments, repairs, stamp duty, removal costs and much more! Set an appropriate budget before you begin your journey and if it means you have to wait another few months, then so be it.
• Being too shy. Be brave and ask questions. Why is the property on the market and for how long? You’ll later regret not asking that burning question and after all – this could be your next property.
• Forgetting to look beyond the décor. When you visit a property, be aware that it might not be as good as it seems. It is important to look for damp, rotten window frames, faulty toilet systems and whether the bathroom/kitchen is out-dated and will need repairing imminently. You don’t want to be faced with a huge bill once you’ve moved in.
• Not being creative. It’s understandable that every property you view may not be decorated to your taste but you need to look past this. It is very rare to find a house that fits the bill exactly so take a step back and imagine your own family in the space.

Keeping these common mistakes at the back of your mind will help you avoid them during the process of buying a property, hopefully resulting in a quick, stress-free and hassle-free process. If you have any questions about buying a property, then please get in touch.