Here's What You Need to Do When Buying a New Home

Buying a new home is certainly very exciting, but at the same time also stressful and a lengthy process. We've put together a small checklist for you so you know what to expect when buying an apartment or house.

• Clarify your financial possibilities

Financial matters are very important to clarify right at the beginning so you don't waste time looking at offers that don't match your possibilities. Find out how much a loan you could get from the bank, and consult with specialists about how large your own contribution should be.

• Map out your needs and wishes

This sounds like an Excel spreadsheet, but that's exactly what it is. Simply write down everything you want from your new home. A bathtub? A fireplace? A balcony? Three floors? Two garages? This way you'll also have an easier time sorting listings in a real estate portal. Additionally, you'll gain a better understanding of what kind of space you're looking for and whether all those wishes actually fit in your budget.

Oh yes, also think about how many parking spaces you need near your home. If you're planning to buy an apartment, this is a very important matter.

• Choose your favorite area

You don't need to have just one or two, but you do need to set some limits, otherwise you'll have to go through all the listings available on real estate portals. Also think through whether there should be a school in the area; whether you need good public transportation connections; how far the nearest grocery store could be; how much street noise bothers you, etc.

• Find a suitable agent

Our recommendation is to buy a house or apartment with the help of an agent rather than handling things on your own. They have a lot of experience with all kinds of people and properties, so usually you're in safe hands. If you can also choose an agent based on a recommendation, that's even better. Find a suitable agent here.

Besides, this way you save time and can deal with other things while the agent searches for a suitable property for you. If you don't need an agent's help, you can start searching yourself.

• Make a suitable search in the real estate portal

Now enter all the criteria you've written down for yourself earlier into the search: price range, location, etc. Make sure to save the search so you don't have to do it again next time. Also mark your favorites, so you can keep an eye on suitable listings using the "Favorites" list.

• Visit the new home in person

When you're searching for a home, the most important thing is to understand whether the feeling is right. Is this your new home or not? Of course, you also need to check all the rooms and the areas behind the rooms, because after all you're buying an apartment or house, not just a new coat. If buying an article of clothing goes wrong, it's perhaps not the biggest concern (although it does spoil your mood), but if the purchase of living space were to fail, you'd need to deal with all kinds of trouble for a long time.

If the feeling is right the first time, bring along a specialist on the second visit who can assess the condition of the plumbing, electrical system, etc. Usually agents can do this too, but well, if your brother is an electrician for example, why not?

If you feel that this is indeed your new home, then let's move on to the next point.

• Agree on terms

"Negotiate the price" is the subtitle for this point. Usually prices are set with a little margin, so you can certainly get some discount. Also agree on other matters, for example whether furniture etc. is included in the price. Houses have actually been sold together with cars and ATVs.

• Set the transfer date

Yes, there's nothing complicated here. This is the day when you get the keys, and if you're not planning to do any repairs in your new apartment or house, you can move in right away.

• Sign the purchase and sale agreement at the notary's office

We urge you not to underestimate the importance of the agreement and to read through even the smallest print and make your change proposals if necessary. This way everyone will be satisfied later and the likelihood of unpleasant situations arising is smaller.

Good luck finding your new home!

Take your time with it, don't rush. Sometimes it's worth waiting just a little bit for the right apartment or house to come along.