In 2020 everything changed, from people's routines, habits and priorities and it would be no different with the real estate market. However, it didn't stop, it was after staying in our home for a long time that we realized the need to change our lives and meet our needs and desires. Therefore, many continue to have to look for houses to buy, change where they live or even sell their space.
Where to start looking for houses to buy?
1- Find the right real estate professional
To find a trustworthy real estate agent you always need to do a lot of research. A quick search on social media allows you to see reviews from former customers.
From the same point of view, it is necessary to understand the experience of the consultation to have a guarantee of professionalism and competence. For example, Dynamics, business structure, speed of response to questions. In this sense, these indicators make the difference between choosing a professional who is truly committed to finding what you are looking for. However, it is not a good decision to choose a real estate professional who is familiar or has a degree of friendship.
2- Define your priorities
First of all, so that the real estate consultant can find the best houses to buy, it is important that the client has well defined their objectives and needs. So, at a time when there are so many restrictions, both hygienic (use of masks, use of alcohol gel), space limitations, not defining your needs and priorities will make it difficult to acquire what you want.
According to what happens most of the time, the main priorities and needs are:
- the workplace;
- the location of the children’s school;
- the proximity of public transport;
- proximity to access;
- proximity to family.
3- Set the price
When the priority is to be closer to work or education, the prices of houses to buy are often higher. So, before you even start searching for properties, you need to understand your financial conditions and analyze your purchasing possibilities. In other words, ask questions, such as: how much can I pay for houses to buy? Will it be payment in cash or will it be financing?
4- The ideal size
Initially, a large house may be your first option, but the larger the house, the greater the costs of maintenance, heating and the taxes associated with it.
When we compare the choice between homes with similar prices, where one of them has more square meters, it is common to think about choosing the larger one and, in most cases, this is a smart move.
However, as buying a house is one of the biggest financial expenses you will have, a large property can have a greater impact on your monthly budget and make your expenses more difficult. In any case, pay attention to whether the house already has furniture, as it tends to appear larger than it really is.
5- Count how many rooms you really need
First of all, think about how many rooms you need, especially if you are going to live with a family and have children. If you need extra rooms and have a child, it is best to choose one T2. If you have two children, look for one T3, and so on. But if you want to have an extra room, analyze and understand the ideal type of house for you and your family. Even more so if you are teleworking, as it is important to separate the work environment from the leisure environment. On the other hand, you can also opt for larger areas, so that you have space to create an office.
6- Taxes for buying a house
Buying a property is always an additional cost to your financing. Especially taxes. In this sense, before signing the house purchase contract it is necessary to pay the IMT, the municipal tax on the transfer of real estate. This is a tax that is paid all at once and is calculated according to the amount involved in the acquisition.
In addition to IMT, the transfer of properties is subject to Stamp Tax at a rate of 0,8% on the value contained in the matrix.
At the same time, there is also the annual payment of Municipal Property Tax (IMI). This rate can vary between 0,3% and 0,45%. However, the buyer may not have to pay IMI in the first three years after formalizing the deal, in cases where the property is worth less than 125 thousand euros and the family's income does not exceed 153 euros.
7- Housing support programs
Currently, there are several programs that offer incentives to buy a house, for example, the Porta 65 Program, which is aimed at young people up to 35 years of age and who have low incomes. While after applying, a percentage of the income is given to those approved, for 12 months, which is renewable until 60 months are reached. know more about housing support. to find out how to apply.
8- Schedule visits
Once you have found a real estate consultant, defined your needs and available value for houses to buy, all that remains is to schedule the visits. Eventually, due to the pandemic, there are even more precautions to be taken in this decision, which must be taken into consideration to make the perfect choice. Prefer to have in-person visits to be able to see possible anomalies or damage to the floor, plumbing and infiltrations. If this is not possible or if you prefer not to go in person due to the current situation, ask the owner for a video call visit.
9- The visits
At first glance, it seems better to visit many homes, but this is not at all a correct decision, as this increases the likelihood of contact with the virus. On the other hand, obviously, you shouldn't buy the first house you visit.
So try to visit at least three. Even more so if the real estate consultant is professional and has understood exactly what you are looking for, within your maximum budget, you will not need to visit more houses. However, if this does not happen, it is because something is failing.
In any case, take into account the state of conservation of the house, the interior cleanliness, the state of conservation of the roof, the area depending on your needs.
Even the exterior of the house, if it is not in good condition, can cause several expenses in the future, or it can show disorganization. If the roof of the house is in poor condition, it could lead to leaks and expensive work would then be necessary.
10- Think long term
If you have in mind to make this investment for the long term, choose even more carefully. So, assuming that in the future you want to sell your house to earn extra income, you have to think even more about the selection criteria. If this is in your plans, realize that location is of great importance, not only in what you will profit from the sale, but also in terms of how easy it is to find potential buyers.
Therefore, it is the opportunity cost between choosing a better location and taking advantage of it in the future or paying less.
In short, I hope these suggestions are a help in buying a home for yourself and your family members. If your projects require something other than a house, see here 10 Tips for a Successful Apartment Rental.
