Description

Tips for Buyers – A Home Buying Guide with RE/MAX Star

Welcome to the RE/MAX Star Home Buyer Podcast – your trusted guide for making smarter property decisions in Ilford and beyond. Whether you're taking your first steps onto the property ladder or you’ve bought before, today’s episode will help you navigate the home-buying journey with confidence.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know – from choosing the right area, budgeting smartly, and securing financing, to making offers and finally getting those keys in your hand.

Buying a home isn’t just about the house itself – it’s about your lifestyle and future plans. So the first question is:

what does your ideal home look like?

• Are you looking for a modern flat or a charming period property?

• Do you need a garden, extra bedrooms, or space to work from home?

• Is off-street parking a must?

Once you’ve figured out your must-haves, it’s time to choose a location. The area you live in impacts everything – from your daily commute to the value of your investment. Working with experienced Ilford estate agents can help you identify neighbourhoods that match your lifestyle and offer strong long-term value.

Here are a few things to consider:

• How close is it to your workplace or public transport?

• Are there good schools, healthcare, and local amenities nearby?

• What’s the neighborhood like in terms of safety and community feel?

• Are there any big developments planned that might affect property values?

And here’s a pro tip: visit the area at different times of the day to get a real feel for what it’s like.

Buying a home involves more than just the sale price. Make sure to factor in:

• Stamp duty – that’s a government tax for properties over a certain threshold.

• Solicitor and surveyor fees – for legal work and checking the home’s condition.

• Mortgage arrangement costs

• Future maintenance or renovation expenses

First-time buyer? Look into schemes like Help to Buy or Shared Ownership – they can seriously reduce your upfront costs.

Now for the fun part – viewings!

Start by shortlisting homes that match your criteria. Don’t feel like you have to see everything – be strategic. If you’re short on time, your estate agent can even pre-view properties for you and send videos or reports.

When you do visit, keep an eye out for things like:

• Damp, mold, or water damage

• Condition of windows, doors, and locks

• Electrical fittings and structural integrity

And yes – visit at different times of the day. That quiet street could turn noisy by evening.

Found the perfect place? It’s time to make an offer.

Sellers will look at more than just price – they’ll consider:

• Whether you’re chain-free

• How fast you can complete

• If your mortgage is already approved

Your agent can guide you through negotiations and help ensure the deal is fair. If appliances or furniture are included, adjust your offer accordingly.

Once your offer’s accepted, the legal work begins.

You’ll need:

• A solicitor or conveyancer to handle contracts

• A property survey to confirm there are no hidden issues

• Home insurance in place before exchange

RE/MAX Star is proud to help buyers across:

• Ilford, Cranbrook, and Loxford (IG1)

• Gants Hill, Newbury Park, Aldborough Hatch (IG2)

• Seven Kings, Goodmayes (IG3)