Running out of space in your home as your little family grows? Then it might be time to start thinking about making a move.
Here’s what you need-to-know before you even think about viewing your new dream home...
The most exciting part about buying a house (apart from getting the keys) has to be looking for a house - all that window shopping. But before you start searching, have a think about what you really want and need from your new abode. Outlining your priorities at the very beginning will help get you started on the house-hunting process once you actually get down to business, which you will be grateful for later down the line. This is one of the biggest (and best) purchases you will ever make, so it pays to be prepared.
Every family has different needs and requires different things in order for them to be happy and fulfilled. Make a list of all the reasons why you are leaving your current home, followed by the things that you want from your new space. There are loads of things to take into consideration, such as:
- How many bedrooms?
- Car parking or garage?
- A garden?
- No traffic noise?
- Schools nearby?
- Public Transport?
- Close to work?
- Brand new or older?
- In town or somewhere more rural?
You'll also need to look at your income and outgoings, including any financial commitments, in order to know the size of mortgage you can afford.
You'll find there are mortgage calculators online to help you with this. These will help you to find out
how much you're eligible to borrow, and to get an idea of
what your monthly repayments could be. By popping your information into this handy online tool, you can get an indication of what you can expect to be offered in minutes.
Once you have a rough idea of what you want and where you want to be, a quick call to the estate agents will give you a good idea of what type of property your budget will buy you. Contact as many as possible and get on their mailing lists. Most properties are listed online. You will find many local newspapers will have a weekly property section. You could also take a drive or walk around the areas that you have in mind, to help give you a feel for the place, people and properties.
Moving house can often be a good opportunity to look around for a better mortgage deal (as well as a bigger home). Ulster Bank understands that you want a mortgage you can live with. To give you a mortgage that suits you, they’ve developed a range of mortgages. Take a look at the mortgage options or have their team call you to arrange an appointment. 
