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  • 5 Essential Steps You Should Take When Buying A Home

    If you’ve decided that it’s time you bought your own place then congratulations! You’re heading in the right direction! However, buying a house is more than just spotting a house, giving them some money, and moving in.

    There are a number of steps that need to be taken if you’re going to succeed at becoming a homeowner.

    1.Verify Your Budget

    The first step in the house buying process is to find out how much you can borrow. The majority of mortgage companies will expect you to have 20% of the purchase price as your own deposit. That means you need some savings behind you.

    you’ll then need to find out how much you can actually borrow, your current financial commitments and earnings will have a significant impact on this. Therefore it is very important to do lots of research about loan types, compare mortgage rates, understand what you can borrow and what it’s going to cost you per month is critical regarding what you’re letting yourself in for. You need to be certain you can afford it. If you are buying a home from HOA, read out the HOA reserves the rule of thumb.

    2. Know Your Costs

    The asking price is not the only cost you need to consider. There will also be a commission to the real estate agent, legal fees, lending fees, surveys, and a host of other costs that you may not have foreseen but will still need to be paid. It’s important that you understand what these costs are and be prepared for them. Using a home buying power calculator can help you get a clearer picture of your total expenses and how much you can afford.

    You should note that a reputable auctioneer will charge significantly less for the properties they have for sale.

    3. Consider Your Aims

    It’s important to decide what you want from the house. Are you looking for a fixer-upper? Perhaps you’re hoping for something small and cozy that will last you for a couple of years Or, perhaps you’ve decided to start a family and want a house big enough to handle everything you’re envisioning.

    There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but it is important to understand what you hope to achieve from your ownership of a house.

    4. Work

    It’s easy to be sucked into a trap, exchanging size and beauty for practicality. You need to consider where you work and how you’ll get there. This is why all property owners should be thinking about the location. It’s more than just assessing how pretty an area is or whether there are shops nearby. You need to be able to get to and from work easily, minimizing time on the road and maximizing time at your home

    5. Get Surveys

    No matter how well recommended a house comes or how good a price it is, you need to have surveys done before you complete on a purchase.

    The simple fact is that the best looking house in the world can need new electrics, plumbing, and be suffering from a damp problem. Without the survey you’re not going to know about the extensive costs, leaving you walking into a money pit.

    The survey can be used to renegotiate the price if necessary, effectively saving you money!

    How to Disguise Your HVAC Unit: 7 Minimalist Design Hacks

    Achieving a truly minimalist aesthetic requires a disciplined approach to clutter, but one essential element often refuses to blend in: your HVAC unit. These bulky, utilitarian appliances are vital for comfort, especially during sweltering summers, yet their industrial appearance can notoriously disrupt the serene, clean lines of a carefully curated room. While you cannot simply […]

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    Books on Indian Architecture: 15 Must Reads for Architects

    This is a curated list of books on Indian Architecture, 15 Must Reads for architects and design thinkers by the editorial team of The Architects Diary. The selected books bring together seminal voices, regional narratives, and critical perspectives, offering a layered understanding of Indian architecture. This collection serves as an essential reference for architects, students, […]

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    Refinance Ready Checklist for Homeowners

    If you purchased your home around 2019 to 2023 with a mortgage rate of around 5%, you’re likely holding your breath waiting for interest rates to drop. However, they’ve actually gone up to over 7% making refinancing very unrealistic for many homeowners. Interest rates have eased slightly so in the hopes that they’re continuing to […]

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    15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

    Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]

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    Door Design: 50 Smart & Stylish Ideas For Your Home

    Looking to make a lasting first impression? Your main door design is more than a point of entry, it’s the gateway that reflects and enhances your home. In this blog, we dive into 50 stylish door design concepts that blend style with functionality, from innovative materials, classic styles, and intelligent lock systems that provide convenience, security, and refinement straight to your front door. 1. Fluted Wooden Doors A combination of smooth fluted surfaces and deep wood grain, this modern door brings subtle drama to the entrance. Upgraded with a clever lock, it combines modern security with classic style. 2. Geometric Patterns The geometric element of the safety grill and […]

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    6 Reasons to Add a Deck to Your Home