Planning to buy a property?

Take the strain out of buying your home with step-by-step guide to property-purchasing.

One of the first things you have to do is decide where you want to live and what sort of property you are looking for.

Think about which features are essential to you and which ones you could do without.

A practical way of doing this is to think of every conceivable feature in a property and put them into three lists, 1, 2 and 3 - where 1 is for essential features and 3 is for "nice to have" features.

Deciding these matters in advance will not only help you rate houses when viewing, but also help put your ideals into perspective when you come to make the big decision.

Think about what you can afford. Remember to take into account the other costs you will incur apart from a mortgages loan, ie the deposit on your new home, the cost of any surveys, your solicitor's fees, stamp duty as well as your normal outgoings.

If it is a first home you may need to buy a lot of furniture and kitchen appliances at once. Also be realistic about your outgoings: it is easy to underrate how important a holiday is to you!

Arrange a meeting with a mortgage broker or financial advisor. Discuss how much you want to borrow and what your options are.

You should always try to get an agreement in principle before you start searching for your new home, although if the perfect property appears it may be possible to put an offer in and quickly source a mortgage. There are no guarantees with this approach, however.

Search JustRealEstate.org directory and register with as many estate agents as possible. If you want to find an estate agent, why not use our estate agents directory.

Try to view at least six properties that match your price, feature and location criteria. Try not to get too emotionally involved with a house until it is definitely yours. With the spectre of gazumping hovering, it can be dispiriting to see your plans come to nothing in the wake of a higher offer.

Also, even when you've found a good property, there is no harm in continuing to look for something else, perhaps something even better.

 Make enquiries at the local police station about the level of crime in the neighbourhood. Find out about the level of council tax and the location and quality of local amenities such as schools and public transport.

The local council office will be able to offer you advice and details on these issues. Ask the estate agent how long the house or flat has been for sale. This may tell you something about the asking price or potential of the property.

If possible try to view places in daylight and at night. If you like a property make at least two visits - and find out what fixtures and fittings will be left by the seller.

One of the most frequently asked questions about buying a home is related to negotiating a fair price. Buyers -- especially first-time home buyers -- want home buying tips, particularly about negotiating.

While some people feel uncomfortable bargaining even at a garage sale or farmer's market, in real estate, negotiating is part of the home buying process.

Here are proven tips for becoming a successful negotiator when it comes to buying a home:

Home Buying Tip #1: Know your seller's motivation. A seller who needs to move quickly because of a job transfer, divorce, or contract on another home is more likely to accept a lower price. In this case, the seller is motivated by closing the sale quickly.

Home Buying Tip #2: The "listing" or "asking" price is what the seller ideally would like to receive. However, it's not necessarily what he or she will settle for.

Home Buying Tip #3: Before you make an offer, know the market value of the home. Your agent can help you determine this by checking recent sales and listing prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood where you're looking.

Home Buying Tip #4: Be flexible. Never say, "Take it or leave it." An attitude like this can ruin the potential for making a deal.

Home Buying Tip #5: Each time you increase your offer price, ask for something in return such as repairs, appliances, even lawn furniture or the riding lawn mower.

Home Buying Tip #6: Take a tip from poker players and never show your hand -- or reveal your next step.

Home Buying Tip #7: If you plan to pay cash or have a tentative commitment for a mortgage loan, use your strong financial position as a bargaining tool.

Home Buying Tip #8: Don't let your emotions (or those of your spouse) get in the way of negotiating the best deal. Leave your pride, fear, anger, and emotional attachments at home.