This isn’t the kind of blog that’s going to tell you how to use Rightmove, and it isn’t the kind of read that’s going to tell you how painfully slow solicitors can be sometimes. This blog is the real, raw and unedited version of what you wish you knew before you bought, coming from the people who have, in fact, actually bought. I think us as estate agents sometimes forget what it was like buying our first home, and often, we assume that people know way more than they should. So aside from the guide outlining the process, there are a ton of little ‘why didn’t I think of that’ and ‘ugh, that’s annoying’ moments that can take away from an experience that really is quite wonderful.
From renovations going over budget, to just wanting a decent curry takeaway on the night you moved in, here are our Paramount Peeps top tips, tricks and hacks that they genuinely wish they knew before they bought.
Plug sockets are gold—install them early.
Plug sockets, yes, we know it sounds simple. But we often underestimate how many devices we use, and where they stay. Some devices like your air-fryer, washing machine, microwave remain in the kitchen (you’d hoped). But other things like laptops, lamps, phone chargers move around from time to time, it’s important that you give yourself enough plug sockets to stay plugged in. And make sure they’re installed before flooring goes down, don’t make the same mistake Dexter did.
Renovations always go over budget (always).
We’ve all been there; we’ve all done it. The surprise extra £350 spent on a party or coming back from a sunny destination with your wallet way lighter than it should be. Things go over budget and your renovation is no different. Reagan recommends adding an extra 20% on to your renovation budget, I know that sounds a lot, but it’s better to over prepare than being underprepared, feeling anxious and sobbing in your new ensuite when the plumbing invoice comes through. For more tips on Reagans renovation tips, you can about her experience here.
Check mobile signal and WiFi speeds before you commit.
You, obviously, need to update your friends from school on your home purchase on Facebook, and God forbid you don’t have the most aesthetically pleasing “just moved in” post on your Instagram grid. But you won’t get any of that if your new homes in a mobile service black zone, or your Wi-Fi options are not up to scratch. The mobile data is absolutely something you should be checking when viewing, all rooms, all corners and your WiFi take a little research, but not loads, platforms like U-Switch are key and really give yourself a bit of time to research the speeds you can actually get. If you’re a work-from-homer like Adam, your Wi-Fi speed is going to be crucial.
Visit the area at night—not just on sunny Saturdays.
If you’re viewing on a bright sunny day, that’s equivalent to a top tier selfie Instagram filter. The sun is shining, your lawn looks bright, the natural light is giving everything you thought it would. But what about at night? Do you feel safe? Have you considered taking a night-time route to and from your nearest station? These things are crucial to really get a feel of the area, the road and what your future might look like. Chances are, it will be fine. But take Laurens’ advice and give yourself that extra bit of clarity.
Find someone you trust (and who’s done this before).
This isn’t a sales pitch, don’t worry, I haven’t bought myself, but my best friend recently did, and being at the end of the phone answering her questions, listening to her worries, and validating her concerns showed me how important it is to have someone you trust by your side who knows their stuff. You don’t know what you don’t know, and throughout the entire process of buying from your first viewing, to dealing with surveys, you want to understand all the information that’s being thrown at you, have someone to soundboard with when something doesn’t feel quite right and have a trusted person there to guide you when things get tricky. Trust me, it’s invaluable, and if you don’t feel it quite so much with the agent you’re working with now, phone around and see if other agents can give you a helping hand, some of us are decent (I promise).
Still got questions? That’s totally valid. Everyone’s situation is different and we may not have covered what matters to you in this blog. If you’d like to chat more about your journey, pop into the Paramount office, give us a ring or drop us an email – we’re always happy to help.
In the meantime, you might also like our free downloadable buying in London guide:
Buying in London: What You Need to Know
