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One of the benefits of Covid is the widespread ability for employees to work from home. This has opened up a world of possibilities. Literally. Many people are enjoying the option of working from anywhere they would like. If my job would allow me to work out of state, I would definitely look at moving to the UK. I loved my time there and would really enjoy going back long-term. If I were to go back, a lot of prep work will need to be done online to get the house-hunting process going. I’ve looked around, dreaming, and thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned in the process. Here are some digital house hunting tips when looking to move to the UK from another country.
Decide Your Must-Haves and Would-Likes
Before house-hunting anywhere, everyone should figure out what their dream house would include and then decide which of those items are non-negotiable and which of those items are “these are the things I’d like, but can live without.” Important items to have on this list are number of bedroom and bathrooms, style of kitchen, types of flooring, size of the yard, floorplan, and so many other things.
Decide on a City and Neighborhood
Another important part of digital house hunting is figuring out where to live. Picking a country is great, but then you need to narrow it down to a city and then a neighborhood.
- Look for articles about good places to live to see which meets your needs and desires
- Check out different areas in Google Maps to see which you like the look of
- Utilize a website like Spot Crime to see what the crime statistics are for the area
- Look for expat groups for different cities to get advice from other foreigners
Calculate Monthly Payments
Another important step is to determine a budget and get an idea of what monthly payment you can afford. Online mortgage calculator tools can help you see what best fits your budget. This step is very important to help ensure financial success over the duration of the mortgage. Be sure to also calculate the mortgage of every property you are presented with to see if it does fit within your budget. If your dream home is out of reach due to other debts, check these tips on how to reduce debt.
Use a Licensed Real Estate Agent
Digital house hunting can be made much easier by utilizing a real estate agent. They can take your lists of must-haves and wants and bring you a list of properties in a variety of areas that fit your budget. Be sure to use a licensed real estate agent and verify they are licensed.
FYI, if a real estate agent tells you they represent the buyer and won’t go through with the sale if you use your own real estate agent, they’re trying to scam you.
Make the Trip For the Inspection
Home inspections are a very important part of purchasing a home. Even if you can only afford to make one trip during the digital house hunting process, travel for the inspection. Most home inspectors will give additional information on home maintenance and smaller issues that don’t affect the sale of the home. It’s valuable knowledge that can set you up for success as a homeowner.
Work With a Title Company
Title companies will research the property title to make sure there are no liens or joint property holders. They’re a neutral third-party, which is always helpful in these types of transactions. They’ll do all the research and make sure the seller has the right to convey the property. It is very important during digital house hunting to make sure the person who is selling the property has 100% authority to do so.
Conclusion
Digital house hunting can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people move to different countries for a variety of reasons, even before the pandemic. Real estate agents and title companies are well-versed at assisting people change countries. The process can go smoothly with the right team and the right preparation.
