Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful things you can do � factor in having to find the property as well and you could drive yourself crazy. There are a few hints and tips here to get you started on your search that will hopefully make the process a bit easier.

Finding a property
The housing market is always a tricky subject and everyone has an opinion about it. When you're looking for a house no doubt everyone around you will want to have their say. To add to this estate agents have not historically been renowned for their good nature and honesty although there is now far greater regulatory control as to the claims they are permitted to make. All in all, the whole process can easily become a bit of a nightmare. It's important when you're looking for a property to remember that, unless you're buying for investment purposes, you are seeking a new home, so take time some time to consider what your looking for before you walk through the door of an estate agents and the selling commences!

The mortgage
The dreaded 'M' word! Before you start hunting for a property, speak to your bank or building society or to a decent financial advisor and find out how much money you can realistically borrow (and repay!). You then have a target price in mind. This will make house hunting so much easier and you won't be disappointed when the perfect property you find turns out to be out of your reach because lenders subsequently say no.

Exactly what are you looking for
Once you have your price range you can start to look at the properties and see what is available to you. You are more than likely going to have to enlist the help of an estate agent; they should have a reasonable knowledge of what is available in different areas, but make sure you go to them properly prepared.

Think about what areas you'd like to look in and what you are looking for from the area in which you will be living. Consider the community, the local shops, how far is it to the nearest train station, what are the local schools like, how good are the transport links? Do some research and visit the areas, maybe have a drink in the local pub of coffee shop so see what the atmosphere is like. The internet is also a good resource if the places you are looking at aren't that easy for you to visit. As an example, www.aboutmyplace.co.uk gives local information, aerial maps and information on local schools. Once you have your areas then think about the type of property you want. Ask yourself how many bedrooms do you want, what sort of a garden are you looking for, and how much work you are willing (and able) to do. Perhaps you would like a period property in which case you may need to understand the constraints and responsibilities that come with grade II or even grade I listed properties. Alternatively, if you would prefer something newly built, it is worth talking to a range of builders: some may have developments that are in the early stages of construction and which may not yet be actively marketed. Finally, do you need a drive or garage?

Once you have thought through your requirements you are ready to give a clear brief to estate agents. Talk to them and tell them what you're looking for and ask for some particulars to take away. Visit a few and make sure that you feel comfortable with the agents with whom you are dealing and that you are able to obtain detailed information. Since many agents offer favourable terms for 'sole agency', some properties will only be marketed by a single agent in the area: hence the need to use multiple agents. Once you have the particulars, have a look through them at your leisure and arrange to view the ones you like.

What is most important?
As with most things in life we can't always have what we want and that rule most definitely applies when it comes to buying houses. Having discussed the merits of listing all your requirements it's also worth thinking about areas in which you are willing to compromise. You may find that to have your ideal house in the ideal location you may have one less bedroom or a property that needs work. Alternatively you may wish to look to another area to find your dream home. There are really no rules to follow just as long as you know what you must have and what you can do without. Do however, consider re-saleability. It is all too easy to get carried away with a particular property, forgetting that the pylon in the front garden scared you the first time you saw it -- and it will scare your future buyers. Equally, whilst you may be swayed by that charming converted lighthouse, you may need to accept that it is an acquired taste and the market is thus of finite size. There is a general guideline that kitchens and bathrooms, if well designed and constructed, have a positive effect on resale values; conservatories may help and outdoor swimming pools can have a negative effect. The number of bedrooms also affects the size of your market and resale values.

Keep an open mind
When viewing your property try and keep an open mind and remember that it isn't yours yet. It's not going to come with all the scary furniture of the current occupants and that violent purple on the walls can always be changed with a few cans of paint! Finding a house is tough enough but it'll be made even harder if you walk around saying oh I don't like this colour or that sofa and you will of course permanently offend the seller! Try to see past the superficial and think (privately) about what you would change and how you could make it your own.

Private sales
Finally, many choose to circumvent estate agents. Sites such as Classifieds have houses that are for sale privately. Here you might be able to grab yourself a bit of a bargain by dealing directly with the owner as there will be no agent fees. They will also be better equipped to give you information on the area and what it is actually like to live there. However you find your dream home, always be sure to use a professional (a licensed conveyancer or solicitor) to handle the legal side of the transaction and to ensure that all checks are correctly performed. Your dream home awaits!
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01 July 2009
Attention all private landlords..
We believe we may be able to help you find a tenant for your property. we use national property advertising websites to market our properties, this is covered by 85% of prospective tenants who are looking to rent. which means that your tenant searches are dramatically. .
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02 May 2009
smallholding wanted..
Wanted to rent long term a smallholding / farm with at least 20acres of usable land and outbuidings for horses must also allow pets. with easy access to the m4 motorway. please contact tom on 07837572398.
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